Kingston TN
Routine dental appointments are easy to skip, especially if we feel sure we’re practicing a strong oral hygiene routine at home. In fact, some people don’t visit the dentist unless or until there’s a problem.
But as the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and this holds true in the dental world, too. Preventative dentistry includes not only your at-home oral healthcare but also preventative, routine exams and cleanings at our family dentist office in Kingston.
Let’s take a look today at some of the dangers of skipping your routine dental visits.
Eliminate plaque and tartar buildup
All mouths — even those that are properly cared for — have normal bacteria in them. This bacteria feeds off of food particles and proteins on tooth surfaces and between teeth to form plaque, which damages tooth enamel. Left untreated, plaque grows into stubborn tartar on the teeth, which requires the intervention of a dentist to remove. If tartar isn’t removed, it leads to serious oral health problems like tooth decay, gum disease and possibly eventual tooth loss.
Rule out issues like oral cancer
Dentists are educated and trained to see issues in our teeth and mouths that we can’t see. For instance, a dentist can see hairline fractures in a tooth that could end up causing a big problem down the road, like an untimely broken tooth that exposes the tooth’s nerve to stimuli — ouch! Our general dentist in Harriman is also trained to spot potential signs of oral cancer, which is very often deadly. As with other cancers, early detection is key for successful treatment of oral cancer.
Prevent physical health problems
If you skip your routine dental appointments, it’s more likely that you will develop gum disease since your at-home oral health regimen will not clean between your teeth and above your gum line like cleanings at our Harriman family dentist office. A person’s oral health is a window into his or her overall physical health. Normal bacteria multiply in the mouth because of poor oral hygiene practices. That bacteria can enter the bloodstream, causing illness and inflammation. This increases your risk of heart disease, at the least. The American Heart Association has also linked that inflammation to other cardiovascular issues like clogged arteries and stroke.
General Preventative Dentistry in Kingston, Harriman and Rockwood, TN
Preventative dentistry is important to your overall health and well-being. If it’s time (or past time) for your routine dental exam, give LakeView Dental Arts a call at (865) 248-2199, or contact us online to schedule an appointment today.
