Our health is precious, including our oral health. The oral system is intricate and when all its parts are healthy, it does work harmoniously so that oral function is efficient and comfortable. Unfortunately, neglecting your dental health can affect your overall wellbeing.
Foregoing routine dental checkups and cleanings could put you at risk for losing precious oral tissue like gums along with an increased risk for tooth loss. Routine appointments give our dentist a chance to look for early signs of a variety of issues including symptoms of oral cancer and gum disease. As with other forms of medicine, early detection means that treatment is normally conservative and cost effective.
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer can form anywhere inside the mouth on soft tissue like the linings of lips and cheeks, the tongue, and the gums. When detected early, most people can secure a favorable prognosis when they seek professional treatment quickly. Every checkup includes an oral cancer screening, which involves taking a thorough look at soft oral tissue and taking diagnostic images. Oral cancer screenings are non-invasive and relatively quick.
Gum Disease
Periodontal (gum) disease is one of the biggest threats to your oral health. It is also incredibly common to develop gum disease, with estimates showing that up to 80% of the population can develop some form of periodontal disease in a lifetime. When undiagnosed and left untreated, gum disease can wreck a person’s oral health. If gum disease is treated early on, it is curable.
Tooth Decay
Once our teeth become permanently damaged, they must be professionally treated. Healthy teeth are protected by tooth enamel, which is a mineralized coating around teeth. While enamel is strong and can guard against tooth decay, if damaged, tooth enamel can leave the softer structures of teeth exposed to oral bacteria and debris.
Tooth Loss
Neglecting your dental health can result in tooth loss. Without regular preventive care like cleanings and routine appointments, you miss out on the chance for early detection, which can help prevent the destruction of oral tissue – including teeth. The effects of tooth loss are far-reaching on your dental health and wellbeing.
Call our team at Fresh Dental today to reserve an appointment.
