There are three reasons why people typically don’t go to the dentist: One is because of fear, another is a busy schedule, and third and most common is embarrassment. The other reason is because of no feeling of pain or discomfort.
What actually happens is the longer you postpone your visit to the dentist, the longer the bacteria stays in your teeth and gums. Eventually a bacteria forms and creates an abscess that can soon cause the most agonizing pain. The worst possible case could happen when the pain starts throbbing in the middle of the night.
While you think you are saving money by not including dental appointments in your budget, you are actually incurring more expenses. Your oral, overall health and wellbeing is at risk to this.
Here are the possible cases that can happen to your oral health:
- Cavities – A buildup of food and bacteria form a film on the teeth. The spread of germs can appear between the teeth, on the cracks, pits, and grooves, and on the gum line. The bacteria, plaque, and tartar slowly eats away the tooth enamel, causing a hole in the tooth. Small cavities can be easily filled. However, large cavities may require more work to repair the damage. The patient must undergo a root canal to save the tooth.
- Tooth stain – Our lifestyle and eating habits greatly affect the color of our teeth. Smoking a lot and drinking colored drinks such as coffee can result in having black and yellow-stained teeth. This discoloration may take a long time for it to go back to its normal color. Through regular cleaning, your dentist can give a cosmetic clean for a better smile.
- Bad Breath – Brushing your teeth is not enough. The buildup of plaque and tartar to some hard to reach places by your toothbrush can lead to stinky breath. Bad breath or Halitosis can affect you emotionally and can lower your confidence. This can also lead to a bigger issue like gum disease or a health problem.
- Gum disease – Your gums play an essential part of your oral hygiene. They serve as a protective layer between the inside of your mouth and the roots of your teeth. Gums serve as a guard for the bacteria to enter the roots. If left untreated, swelling and bleeding occurs in your gums. The infection can lead to periodontitis and gingivitis.
- Tooth Loss – The worst case that can happen to your oral health is tooth loss. The condition mentioned above if not treated early on can result in permanent tooth loss. More and more young adults experience this due to lack of oral hygiene. Visits to the dentist can detect gum and tooth problems. Tooth extraction and dental implants are the procedures you need to take to replace the damaged tooth. It will also cost you much more than having a regular dental check up.
It may seem inconvenient to schedule dental appointments every six months, but you will not regret it in the long run. Your teeth and your budget will thank you.
Pickett Family highly recommends practicing good oral hygiene at home. On top of that, your regular dental visits to our clinic will remind you to keep on caring for your teeth and cleaning them properly. While proper hygiene is essential, some infections can only be detected via X-ray.
Dr. Pickett will provide a check up, examination, cleaning, or oral prophylaxis on your appointment.
We are here to help you reach your oral health in tip top shape. Call our Keller, TX dentist office at 817-431-5514 to meet our Pickett Family Dental team, who will offer the best dental care available to you and your family.
