You may think that as long as you brush your teeth a decent amount, you shouldn’t have to visit a dentist. But regular dental visits are more than just a cleaning. Dr. David J. Weinstock, an experienced dentist in Bala Cynwyd, PA, offers reasons why you should make biannual dentist visits a priority.
Getting a Thorough Cleaning
Yes, cleaning is still part of your regular dental visit. While you may think that brushing and flossing get everything, that’s often not the case. A thorough dental cleaning can get any plaque and tartar buildup that you might have missed. They can check how well your brushing and flossing techniques are going and recommend any changes. Your teeth will get polished, giving you that smooth and clean feeling.
An Oral Cancer Screening
One of the most important things Dr. Weinstock will check for during a regular exam is oral cancer. These screenings can detect oral cancer in its earlier stages, making it easier to treat. The dentist will check your throat and neck for any lumps or abnormalities. They’ll also feel the tissues in your mouth and check for sores inside. You should especially go for an oral cancer screening if any of the following apply to you:
- You use any form of tobacco (smoking, chewing, etc.)
- You drink a lot of alcohol regularly
- You’ve previously had oral cancer
- You spend too much time in the sun, particularly without chapstick
- You have some types of HPV (human papillomavirus)
All of these things mean you have a higher risk of oral cancer. It’s very important for you to go to the dentist regularly to make sure that you don’t have signs of oral cancer.
Looking for Gum Disease
The early signs of gum disease can be hard to spot. A dentist is specially trained in knowing what to look for, even if the symptoms are subtle. Letting gum disease go untreated puts you at risk for things like receding gums, losing teeth, and bone deterioration. This is definitely something you want to catch early on.
Checking for Cavities
The dentist will do both a visual check for signs of tooth decay and dental x-rays to see if there’s something that wouldn’t show up in a visual check. Cavities are something else you want to catch early. If you let cavities go, the infection can get into the pulp of your tooth. This means that you’ll have to get a root canal. Getting them taken care of early means you can avoid this and just get a filling instead.
Seeking Out Damage
Just because you’ve cracked or chipped a tooth or filling doesn’t mean you’ll always notice it. It’s possible for it to happen and you to be completely clueless. Dr. Weinstock will check to make sure there are no chips or breaks out of the ordinary. If he finds some, he’ll take the proper route to fix them, whether it’s with dental bonding or replacing a filling or crown.
Visiting Your Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania Dentist
Making sure that you visit your dentist regularly is an important part of keeping your oral health in peak shape. Call us today or schedule an appointment online for your next visit!