No one likes going to the dentist. There’s the awkward small talk, the needle, and of course, the bill. But even if you’re not a fan of dental visits, they’re important for maintaining your oral health. That’s because your dentist can spot early signs of dental problems, many of which may not be apparent to the untrained eye. For example, cavities can form in areas of your teeth that are difficult to see. And if left untreated, cavities can lead to more serious problems like tooth decay and gum disease. That’s why it’s important to visit your dentist regularly, even if you don’t enjoy it. Because in the long run, it’s worth it for your oral health. Here are three serious dental problems to keep an eye out for:
Cavities
Cavities are small holes in your teeth that are caused by tooth decay. If left untreated, cavities can lead to pain, tooth loss, and infections. The best way to prevent cavities is to brush and floss regularly and avoid sugary foods and drinks. However, even with good oral hygiene habits, you may still develop cavities. That’s why it’s important to visit your dentist, someone like the Brandywine Dental Services Group, regularly so they can catch cavities early and treat them before they become a bigger problem.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can lead to tooth loss and other serious health problems. Symptoms of gum disease include bleeding gums, red or swollen gums, and bad breath. Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. It’s important to remove plaque regularly through brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings. Otherwise, it can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a professional. Early diagnosis and treatment of gum disease are essential for preventing serious health complications later on and a better outcome when it comes to treatment. If you think you may have gum disease, be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist right away in order to get your mouth looked at. Basically, the sooner you get in to see your dentist, the sooner you can find out if what you’re experiencing is gum disease and the sooner you can take steps towards treatment if it is.
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is a type of cancer that affects the lips, tongue, throat, or mouth. Symptoms of oral cancer include sores in the mouth that don’t heal, red or white patches in the mouth, jaw pain or numbness, and difficulty swallowing. Oral cancer is most likely to affect adults over the age of 40 who smoke cigarettes or use other tobacco products. However, it can affect anyone at any age. That’s why it’s important to see your dentist regularly for screenings so that oral cancer can be caught early and treated effectively. Early detection is key to the successful treatment of oral cancer, so it’s important that you don’t delay in scheduling an appointment with your dentist if you find that you are experiencing symptoms.
No one likes going to the dentist. It can be uncomfortable, it’s time-consuming, and it can be expensive depending on the procedure you need done. However, skipping dental appointments can lead to much bigger problems down the road. Dentists are trained to spot early signs of things like cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer, all of which can be much more difficult—and costly—to treat once they’ve had a chance to progress. So next time you’re tempted to skip your six-month cleaning or a night of brushing, remember that it could save you a lot of pain—and money—down the road just to do the responsible thing and get it done.
