Skipping your dentist appointment may not seem like an issue at first. After all, you don’t feel any pain or discomfort. There’s nothing wrong with your teeth. Why should you spend time at the dental office? Many adults avoid going to the dentist because of a variety of reasons including inconvenience, forgetfulness, fear, or embarrassment. The truth is that if you don’t have regular checkups or cleaning, any small issues you have could turn serious and even become a dental emergency. Read on to learn what your dentist near Monroesays can happen if you avoid your dental visits.
Plaque and Tartar Buildup
Your at-home oral hygiene routine helps to remove plaque from your teeth. However, often times plaque gets left behind in hard to reach places. If it is not thoroughly cleaned by a dentist or hygienist, plaque can build up and become tartar, which is extremely difficult to remove on your own. This can cause unsightly stains on your teeth, tooth decay, gum disease, and contributes to bad breath. Even if you are a diligent brusher, there will always be some plaque that gets left behind.
Tooth Decay and Cavities
The build-up of plaque and tartar will eventually lead to tooth decay and cavities if it is not treated by a dentist. Even though smaller cavities can be filled, larger untreated ones may result in dental crowns and even root canals. An easy fix could turn into something more serious.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is something your dentist always checks for when you go in for your regular cleanings. If it is caught early on, it can be reversed. However, if it’s left untreated, you could end up with periodontitis which can cause jawbone deterioration and tooth loss.
Tooth Loss
This can result from untreated tooth decay or advanced gum disease. Both of these can be treated in the early stages by your dentist to prevent further issues.
Infections
The longer you leave an abscess without treatment, the more it can spread and become a serious infection. This can lead to intense pain, discomfort, and other oral health concerns. Ultimately, it will become a dental emergency.
Risk of Serious Diseases
When you go to your dental appointment, your dentist checks for signs of oral cancer. When it is caught early, you have a much likelier chance of being able to defeat it. Your oral health is also closely linked to the overall health of your body. A few major health conditions that can be linked to your oral health include diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and breast cancer.
Even during a time like the COVID-19 pandemic, you should not put your oral health on hold. Doing so could lead to a number of serious issues. Your dentist is taking a variety of steps to ensure that his patients are being treated in a clean, safe environment.
About the Author
Dr. L. King Scott is a family dentist located in West Monroe, LA. He has over 39 years of experience and thousands of hours of post-graduate education. Recently, Dr. Scott received the Academy of General Dentistry highest honor, the Lifelong Service and Recognition Award. It’s awarded to outstanding clinicians who have proven their excellence clinically and academically. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (318) 325-4600.