It’s spring cleaning season, so you’re probably sitting down writing a list of everything that needs to be gutted and organized. One thing that you may have forgotten to include on your list is your mouth. Starting this spring with a routine checkup and cleaning from your dentist in Bellingham can give you the peace-of-mind and confidence to knock out your list of chores at home. Getting your teeth and gums professionally cleaned twice a year can reduce your risk of developing serious oral health issues. Read on to learn 5 reasons you should start off this season with a visit to your dentist.
Detect Oral Cancer Early
Each time you visit your dentist for a cleaning and checkup, they’ll conduct an oral cancer screening. Oral cancer is often not diagnosed in a timely manner because it’s hard to spot and progresses quickly. Your dentist can detect symptoms of this deadly disease before it becomes difficult to treat. They’ll conduct an examination of your mouth and lips looking for tell-tale signs of oral cancer such as red and white sores. If they spot any problem areas or abnormalities, they can then refer you for a biopsy to get a diagnosis.
Control Plaque, Tartar, and Cavities
Even if you brush and floss daily, it can’t remove all plaque and tartar. When you don’t visit your dentist regularly, hardened plaque is left to build up along your gumline and can result in gum disease, cavities, and infections.
Your dental professional will use specially crafted tools to remove all the food debris, plaque, and tartar that you can’t get by brushing and flossing at home. In the long run, attending checkups and cleanings with your dentist can save you time and money by preventing small problems from progressing into large ones.
Prevent Gum Disease
One in two American adults has gum disease, which is why it’s so important to take care of your oral health. This disease can result in serious consequences such as tooth loss, decay, and swollen and irritated gums. It’s a bacterial infection that’s caused by plaque and tartar buildup below the gum line. When the infection reaches advanced stages, it can cause your gums to recede and require serious deep cleaning, and medication.
Control Bad Habits for Your Oral Health
Certain habits such as using tobacco products and consuming excessive amounts of alcohol can increase your risk of developing serious oral problems such as gum disease. When you visit your dentist, they can check for any damage that you may not have noticed otherwise. When you’re informed about how your habits are affecting your health, it gives you the chance to try to break them in order to prevent more destruction.
Find Hidden Oral Problems With X-Rays
Your dentist uses the most advanced technology to detect oral problems that aren’t visible to the naked eye. Issues such as bone decay, cysts, oral tumors, and impacted teeth can’t be diagnosed without a dental X-ray. Finding these can allow your dentist to treat them before they turn into larger problems.
Attending your bi-annual checkups and cleanings is the best way to stay informed about your health. This spring start out by cleaning up your mouth before your attic. Preventing detrimental oral health problems from wreaking havoc on your life can give you the peace-of-mind you need to tackle organizing your home.
About the Practice
At Morena and Young Dental, we offer comprehensive care, so you don’t have to visit multiple dental practices. We have three dentists that offer collective decades of experience and knowledge, so you’re sure to feel in safe hands. They focus on providing everybody that walks through the doors with comfortable and trustworthy care. For any questions or to schedule a bi-annual checkup and cleaning, visit our website or contact 360-676-0642.