8 Reasons Why You Need to See Your Dentist Regularly

Who likes to go to the dentist? Since childhood, if there is a person whom we are afraid of is a dentist. The very setting of a dentist’s room – the dental chair, that machine over your head, that person with a white coat on holding a drilling machine like device – seems scary. But visiting a dentist regularly is very essential to keep up your oral health and have a sparkling smile always.

What to expect while visiting a Dentist?

When you are on a scheduled visit to a dentist, there are a few common things that he/she will check you for.

1. Examination of your Head and Neck

   Teeth are a part of the skull. Dentists are usually trained to look for irregularities in the head and neck region like a pain in the jaws, neck, lymph nodes and lower jaw joints. These may be related to dental issues

2. Clinical Dental Examination

   The dentist assesses the state of the teeth and gums to make sure all is well. He/she may examine the gums, look for loose teeth, dental cavities, damages in the teeth, etc. He/she may also check the tissues of your mouth, take x-rays of your teeth and check for extra gaps or any other discrepancies in your teeth.

3. Routine Cleaning

   In the last part of your visiting your dentist, he/she may clean your mouth by polishing your teeth, flossing in between your teeth, removing plaque and tartar and may also recommend refined techniques to clean your mouth.

Top 8 Reasons to Visit the Dentist Regularly:

1. Pain in the teeth

   Be it a sharp shooting pain in the teeth or just a mild one, visit your dentist immediately so that the problems are rectified before getting worse. The pain may just be due to some issue with your teeth like dental decay, your dentist will figure out and treat it in the bud. Even if you are required to go under a dental procedure, you can have a pain free treatment with the help of dental sedation.

2. Previous Treatments

   Just like any other instrument, your dental implements or surgeries need frequent monitoring. You may have had a dental clip or a crown or implants, they need constant maintenance. In such cases, visiting a dentist at least once in three to four months is recommended.

3. Pregnancy

   With pregnancy come a lot of physical and emotional changes in the body. So, even your dental condition may vary during this crucial period. So, it is recommended that you visit your dentist for even the smallest of the small symptom.

4. You have Troubles Eating or Drinking

   Sometimes, even our mouth and teeth stop us from eating or drinking what we like to. The sensitivity of teeth is one such problem that is widely found. There are many more. So, if you experience any discomfort while eating or drinking like pain, it’s time to visit the dentist. This will help relieve these conditions and also in preventing further complications.

5. Gum Problems

   You may have a family history of gum problems or have bleeding gums or something of that sort. As it is the gums which hold the teeth firmly, make sure they are healthy.

6. Concerns about oral hygiene

   If you are frequently trying to hide your smile because you are becoming increasingly self-conscious about the appearance of your teeth, talk about this to a dentist. He/she will definitely help you to get rid of such problems.

7. Sores and Spots in the Mouth

   If there are mouth ulcers which just don’t seem to go away or you notice some unfamiliar spots in your mouth, talk to your dentist about this and get it treated as soon as possible.

8. Tobacco Use

   If you use tobacco in any form – cigarettes, chewing gums or even chewing leaves, you are in a greater risk of getting dental problems. So, make sure you talk to your dentist about this and also start getting rid of tobacco in your life.

Even if you do not have any of the above symptoms or requirements, it is advisable to meet your dentist and have routine check-ups, so that the problems are detected early and are treated in the early stages.

About Author:
Jessica is a registered nurse who specialized in sedation dentistry.  She split years of experience in dental care and hospital patient care.  An advocate and a firm believer in healthy living.  A huge yoga fan and eager to share best practices and occupational experience.

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