6 Of the Most Common Reasons to Visit the Dentist

The next time you’re feeling a little nervous about your upcoming dental appointment, remember that millions of people visit the dentist every year to maintain their oral health. While it’s true that the dentist can bring up some anxiety for some adults and children, there are several reasons why you should see one on a regular basis.

Cavities

As children, most of us were told that cavities are a reason to visit a dentist. Now, as adults, we know better. Cavities are a reason to visit a dentist because we’re getting older and losing enamel on our teeth. This can lead to more serious dental problems down the line.

When you think about it that way, it almost seems silly that we would put off visiting a dentist for any other reason than getting older. If you’re looking for a great Riccarton dental office, you’ve come to the right place. And, yes, cavities are something to be concerned about, but they’re not the only thing that people need to worry about when it comes to their teeth.

Sensitivity to Hot & Cold

Studies have shown that people with sensitivity to hot and cold are more likely to visit the dentist regularly. That’s because sensitive teeth, or dentin hypersensitivity as it’s known, can be an indication of other dental problems.

If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity to heat or cold, especially if you notice a change in your sensitivity levels, make sure to visit your dentist as soon as possible. In many cases, you will be referred to a periodontist for further evaluation. A lot of people have sensitive teeth, but they don’t know it. It’s often a problem that develops over time and is rarely diagnosed. In fact, many dentists will only recommend a patient see a periodontist if the tooth sensitivity is so severe that it causes pain.

Toothaches

Toothaches are painful. And paying a dentist to fix them isn’t cheap. So when you have a toothache, you do whatever you can to make it stop.

Most people reach for over-the-counter painkillers, like aspirin or ibuprofen. This is the wrong choice. Painkillers shouldn’t be your first line of defense against a toothache.

Occasionally, painkillers are necessary to treat more severe pain, but they’re not your best option when something hurts that bad. They only mask the pain — they don’t actually fix anything. If a toothache goes untreated, it can lead to more serious problems.

So, what should you do?

It’s important to treat a toothache as soon as possible. If you’re in pain, your first step is to call your dentist and schedule an appointment. If you can’t get in right away, you should still try to treat the pain yourself.

Accidents & Trauma

Your dentist is your partner in keeping your mouth and teeth healthy. It is not uncommon to hear about someone who has suffered an accident or trauma that resulted in a broken or lost tooth. You should consult a dentist as soon as possible if this happens.

Cosmetic dentistry is a growing field in the dental industry. There are many reasons why someone would want to improve the appearance of their smile. Dental veneers are a great option for improving the look of your teeth without having to undergo major dental work.

Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer is the eighth most common form of cancer, but unfortunately, it is also one of the least known. Oral cancer has been around since humans have had teeth and yet recent research shows that many people still aren’t aware of its symptoms.

The most common symptom of oral cancer is a sore or ulcer on or around the mouth or lips. Other symptoms include a lump or thickening in the neck and difficulty swallowing. If any of these symptoms are present, it’s important to visit your dentist as soon as possible.

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, oral cancer is usually caused by tobacco and alcohol use. If you smoke or drink regularly, it’s important to be aware of your risk for oral cancer.

Preventive Care

Preventive care is a hot topic of debate in dentistry. A lot of people claim that getting regular dental check-ups and cleanings is only a waste of time, money, and effort. They say that it doesn’t really do anything to improve the health of their teeth or gums, and they would rather spend the money elsewhere.

But is this really true? Does regular dental care really do anything to improve your oral health? The answer is yes. And here’s why: Preventive care prevents oral disease and tooth loss. The best way to prevent tooth loss is to prevent oral disease. This means regular dental visits, cleanings, and checkups. And while there are some conditions that cannot be prevented, such as periodontal disease or tooth decay, most dental problems can be prevented with regular dental care.

If you have been putting off visiting a dentist, then we hope our list of six reasons will help motivate you to finally schedule an appointment.