Don't Skip the Dentist

By Joseph Luke, DDS, MS

Joseph T. Luke, DDS

More Dental Health Articles

Don't Skip the Dentist

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), tooth decay remains the most prevalent chronic disease in the United States, even though it is largely preventable. Some people think tooth decay is just an issue for children; however, the truth is that you are at risk your whole life. It is estimated that nine out of 10 adults over the age of 20 have some degree of tooth decay.

Untreated dental disease can lead to serious health problems such as infection, damage to bone or nerve and tooth loss. Dental infections that are left untreated can even spread to other parts of your body and, in rare cases, can be life threatening.

To protect your dental health and your overall health, it is important that you adopt and practice good oral hygiene, which includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing between teeth once a day, and eating a balanced diet.

Not smoking or quitting if you are a smoker also helps prevent dental problems. Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors associated with the development of gum disease. Additionally, smoking can lower the chances for successful treatment.

However, it is important to remember that no amount of personal dental care replaces the need to also have a regular dental checkup. In addition to cleaning and polishing all the visible and hidden surfaces of your teeth, a dental checkup is an opportunity to assess your entire oral health.

During a routine checkup, a dentist will evaluate the health of your gums, perform a head and neck exam to look for anything out of the ordinary and inspect your mouth for any indications of oral cancer, diabetes or vitamin deficiencies. You will also have your face, bite, saliva and movement of your lower jaw joints (TMJs) evaluated.

When dental checkups are missed or delayed, you run the risk of having problems diagnosed after they have advanced. Without early detection, the treatment of a dental problem is typically more complicated and expensive.

You should think of the relationship between you and your dentist as a partnership, with each of you working together to keep your teeth looking good and staying healthy. By having routine checkups with your dentist and following good oral hygiene practices, you are more likely to keep your teeth and gums healthy.