When you have a full set of teeth, it’s easy to forget how much time and money goes into maintaining them. In fact, a recent study revealed that nearly 80% of adults have seen a dentist at some point in their lives — even though only about half of those people actually remembered having done so. So what are the odds that you will keep your teeth for life if you don’t make an appointment with a dentist every few months? Not very good. In fact, statistics show that only about one in two people who visit the dentist regularly will avoid losing their teeth. On the other hand, if you don’t make an appointment with a dentist, you increase your risk of developing oral diseases and infections that could eventually lead to teeth loss — and that’s something nobody wants.
What happens to your teeth when you don’t visit the dentist regularly?
First of all, cavities. Having a dental professional clean your teeth regularly is the only way to avoid cavities. Without professional help, you’re likely to develop tooth decay, which is a bacterial infection that damages teeth by eating away at their enamel. If left untreated, this type of tooth damage can lead to infections and even require the extraction of a tooth.Regularly visiting a dentist can help you prevent cavities by removing tartar, which is a build-up of bacteria and food that causes gum disease. Tartar is the main cause of a cavity and can only be removed by a professional cleaning. If you don’t go to the dentist every six months, you’re more likely to develop gum disease. Gum disease can spread to other parts of the body, including the heart, lungs, and brain. It can also increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer.
How do you know when you need a checkup?
While it’s important to see a dentist every six months, it’s also a good idea to know the signs of a problem before it becomes serious. Some of the most common signs of a problem with your teeth include: - A change in the way your teeth feel - A change in the way your teeth look - A sudden loss of teeth - A change in your bite - A bad smell or taste that lasts for longer than a few hours - A painful or sensitive feeling in your teeth or gumsIf you experience any of these symptoms, it’s best to see a dentist as soon as possible. Otherwise, you could run the risk of developing infections or worse.
How to schedule a dental appointment
To make sure you don’t forget about your next appointment, use a calendar or planner. Even if you don’t want to fill every square inch with appointments, having a few open spaces will help keep you on track.To make your dental appointment, visit the website of the dental office that serves your area. You can also search for a specialist if you’re in need of a root canal, dental implant, or other complex procedure. If you’re in need of a general cleaning, you can use our teeth cleaning tips to make the most of your appointment.
Conclusion
If you want to keep your teeth for life, it’s important to visit the dentist regularly. That’s because you’ll have a better chance of avoiding cavities and other issues that can lead to teeth loss.To make sure you don’t forget about your next appointment, use a calendar or planner to keep track of your schedule. You can also use our teeth cleaning tips to make the most of your dental appointment.