/assets/images/provider/photos/2437557.jpg)
Between getting to work on time, making sure your kids get where they need to be, keeping nutritious food in your house, and all the other commitments associated with daily life, going to the dentist probably isn’t at the top of your list.
But taking care of your oral health is part of being healthy! In this post, we look at some of the reasons you shouldn’t skip your annual appointment.
When you see your dentist at Supertooth™ regularly, you’re safeguarding your oral health and keeping your gorgeous smile in tip-top condition. Our team of talented experts encourage you to come in for your annual checkup this year just as you would any other year.
What to expect
Dental visits are about more than just cleaning your teeth. Your oral health is part of your overall health, and your dentist checks your gums and the rest of your mouth as well as your teeth during an annual checkup. Our staff also takes X-rays every year or two in order to have a clear timeline of your oral health and help your dentist quickly identify any changes.
Along with your mouth, you can expect your dentist to take a look at your neck and your lymph nodes as a part of screening for oral cancer. They’ll also evaluate your teeth and gums for loose teeth, signs of cavities, and early signs of gum disease. Just as your family doctor looks at specific markers during your annual checkup, so does your dentist.
The importance of professional cleanings
No matter how good your hygiene habits are when you’re at home, you can’t achieve the results of a professional cleaning. When you come in for your annual checkup, one of the things we do is scrape away the plaque and tartar that have built up over the previous year. Your mouth is going to feel so clean afterward!
Without scraping away the tartar, it can lead to gum irritation and eventually gum disease. Brushing and flossing are important, but they can’t prevent plaque and tartar buildup. We also polish your teeth during your cleaning, which feels good and looks great.
Keeping an eye on your gums
When your gums change, it’s not sudden. Changes to the health of your gums happen slowly, over time. In fact, you may not even notice. When you do notice, it could be too late to easily correct the problem.
Nearly all cases of gum disease could be prevented, although your genes determine whether you’re more or less predisposed to it. Gum disease can have negative consequences for your teeth and your health. For example, cardiovascular disease and stroke are associated with gum disease. Simply getting an annual dental checkup could help you avoid a heart attack!
If you haven’t scheduled your annual dental checkup yet, do it today! Supertooth has four Maryland locations, and you can schedule at the one that’s most convenient for you online or over the phone.