With gas prices going through the roof and price increases everywhere you look, it may seem that your annual dental examination is expendable. After all, if your teeth are in great shape, you brush and floss at least twice a day and have access to over-the-counter whitening products, why bother seeing your dentist? At Mint Dental, we offer several reasons why you need to keep this important appointment.
The Unseen Foe
You look in the mirror and smile, turn your head this way and that, open wide and everything looks fine. The problem is, looks can be deceiving. Hidden away in areas that you cannot see, and your toothbrush cannot reach, bacteria could be proliferating, producing acids that are eating away at your tooth enamel. You may even have a tiny cavity on the surface of a tooth that is just the tip of the iceberg of dental decay. Such damage can be picked up through dental instruments used during your examination.
Plaque buildup is another culprit that could be putting your oral health in jeopardy. Some individuals are prone to severe buildup while others have minimal problems but may still develop gingivitis. Having your teeth professionally cleaned on a regular basis minimizes the harm caused by plaque and tartar buildup.
An Ounce of Prevention
The old adage, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” certainly applies when it comes to oral health. Regular dental examinations can save you hundreds of dollars in the long run. This is true for adults and children alike.
Permanent molars begin to erupt in your child’s mouth at about six years of age. When you consider that these teeth should last a lifetime, they way in which they are cared for when they first appear becomes very important. Because they have deep grooves and fissures, these newly erupted teeth are prone to decay if they are not adequately maintained. Dental sealants help preserve the health of these teeth by sealing off the areas that are most likely to develop cavities.
About 91% of adults experience tooth decay between the ages of 20 – 64. Over a quarter of those individuals have untreated decay problems. On average, one in five adults over the age of 65 have untreated cavities. Once you get in your senior years, cavities are not your only problem.
Periodontal disease increases as you get older for various reasons. According to reports from the CDC, 70.1% of adults 65 years of age and older are affected with periodontal disease. Left untreated, this can lead to tooth loss.
At Mint Dental, we help our patients keep costs down by providing excellent preventive care and identifying and treating minor dental problems before they have an opportunity to develop into major dental issues. Contact us today to schedule your dental examination.
