Importance of Early Detection of Oral Health Problems

When it comes to keeping your smile healthy and bright, visiting the dentist is one of the most important things you can do. In general, patients should visit every six months for a checkup and a thorough cleaning of their teeth and gums. During these visits, your dentist will do an examination of your smile. This is key to keeping your mouth healthy, but how so? Read on to learn about three reasons why the early detection of oral health issues is such a crucial part of maintaining the wellbeing of your beam.

Reason #1: Avoid Worsening Oral Health Issues

Cavities are small areas of decay that are often caused by improper oral hygiene. This means that brushing once per day and flossing every night before you go to bed is usually enough to keep your smile healthy. If a cavity is left untreated for too long, the decay will worsen. This may eventually lead to a tooth infection.

Gum disease is another oral health issue that can usually be avoided by practicing proper oral hygiene. If you leave this infection untreated, it may eventually lead to gum recession, lose teeth. jawbone erosion, and tooth loss. Early detection of oral health issues allows your dentist to identify and treat these issues promptly so your smile doesn’t become severely damaged.

Reason #2: Save Money on Treatment

Another reason why early detection of oral health issues is so important is that it will save you money. If you lose teeth due to oral health problems, you will need to pay for replacements. If you have a tooth pulled, you’ll have to pay for both the extraction and the new tooth you have placed. Though your dentist is here to help you get your smile back on the right track, it’s best to avoid these issues in the first place by consistently attending biannual appointments.

Reason #3: Identify Life-Threatening Diseases

Gum disease, cavities, dry mouth, and other oral health issues aren’t the only things you need to worry about. Serious tooth infections or gum disease can lead to bacteria entering the bloodstream. This allows them to travel to other parts of the body, which may cause serious health issues like sepsis, strokes, heart attacks, and oral cancer. Regular checkups and cleanings and practicing good oral hygiene at home should be enough to help you avoid these problems.

When seeking out treatment for oral health issues, remember that your dentist is here to help. They will answer any questions you have about how to better care for your pearly whites and will do what they can to help you keep your smile looking bright and beautiful!

About the Practice

Laketown Family Dental is a Norton Shores-based dental practice that’s led by Dr. Ariel Heisser and Dr. Eric Heisser. They treat all kinds of oral health conditions and also provide preventive treatments to help you keep issues from developing in the first place. Additionally, they specialize in the early detection of oral health issues so you can keep your smile looking lovely and functioning as intended. Do you want to learn more about Laketown Family Dental’s service offerings or to set up a consultation? If so, call their office at (231) 737-2273 or visit their website to get started.