Most of us are aware that we should be attending dental exams at least twice a year for a general checkup and cleaning. However, the actual number who attend these visits are at a bare minimum.
This, though, is more harmful than one could ever imagine when it comes to their oral health.
Here are some of the consequences of failing to attend your dental appointments:
#1 A higher risk of cavity development
When you do attend your dental visits, your dentist will know just by inspecting your teeth if you’re doing a good job brushing and flossing.
With X-rays, your dentist can also tell if you’re in the process of developing a cavity even before you develop symptoms.
Skipping dental appointments means there’s more bacteria present in the mouth since you are not receiving professional dental cleanings. Thus, this means there is a higher risk for cavity development.
The worst part about this is the fact that you won’t know you’re developing a cavity until you actually notice the symptoms. That said, simply going to the dentist can help you reduce your number of cavities and get them treated much sooner before significant pain begins.
#2 Bad breath (halitosis)
As mentioned, lack of professional dental care leads to an increase in oral bacteria. Smelly bacteria on the tongue, teeth, and in the general mouth lead to smelly breath.
However, attending your biannual dental exams means you’ll receive a thorough evaluation of the mouth. Biannual checkups also include an in-depth cleaning to clear out plaque and tartar that are easily missed through personal hygiene.
These professional dental cleanings are no comparison to the brushing and flossing you do at home. For this reason, it’s vital to seek out a dentist twice a year at a minimum.
#3 Tooth discoloration
The buildup of oral bacteria and stains from foods and beverages leads to tooth discoloration. However, attending your dental appointments will ensure the enamel layer is as clean as possible.
With a thorough cleaning and teeth polishing from your dentist or hygienist, your teeth will look new and beautiful in no time. Excessive tooth discoloration can also be resolved with professional tooth whitening.
#4 Tooth loss
In severe cases, the lack of dental visits could lead to tooth loss. Those who refuse to go to the dentist are more likely to not care or even understand the risks of not caring for their teeth.
These people also often suffer from oral hygiene, thinking they’re doing a good job, when in reality, they aren’t. Unfortunately, they don’t have a professional dentist to tell them otherwise.
While there are ways to resolve tooth loss such as dental implants or full/partial dentures, these are often expensive, unwanted by some patients, and of course, easily avoidable through the proper oral care.
#5 Potential for more expensive dental costs and procedures in the future
Of course worse oral health from not attending dental visits increases the risk of future dental costs and oral procedures.
If you don’t attend your biannual dental appointments, how will you know if you have gum disease? How will you know if you’re lacking oral hygienic care?
Letting your dental exams slide by will not only increase your risk of oral diseases and conditions but also cause persistent damage to your oral health and rest of your body. In turn, this potentially increases dental and medical expenses later down the road as you require more treatments later on to regain your health.
For this reason, the simple attendance of your dental exams is important. Remember, if money is an issue, dental insurance or a dental savings plan can significantly save you costs. Don’t let lack of money be an excuse for your ever-lasting health.
