There is a common fear of medical professionals, and the people with this fear often argue that there is no need to see a doctor when there is nothing wrong. While their argument may seem logical, it is necessary to understand that most doctor’s practice preventative medicine, and that is especially true of dentists. Preventative medicine aims to reduce the risks of something going wrong with your health. Therefore, annual dental checkups are not about dealing with your current symptoms. These examinations are about ensuring that your dental health remains pristine for the foreseeable future. However, the number of dental visits required per year depends on the individual.
Regular Checkups
Again, a dentist practices preventative medicine. While you may not have any pain or symptoms requiring dental intervention, the checkup is to ensure that it stays that way. Also, not every dental issue will present with immediate pain. For instance, a cavity may start small and unnoticed by you, but at your annual or biannual check, your dentist may notice it starting. This early detection means that your dentist may treat the issue before you experience any significant pain, making routine checkups useful and necessary.
Signs You Should See a Dentist
Unfortunately, some people avoid the dentist even when they shouldn’t. They explain away the pain as sinus pressure or some other unrelated health issue. However, there are times when you should call a dentist immediately.
- Tooth sensitivity
- Puffy or bleeding gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Consistent bad taste in your mouth
- Swelling or pain in your mouth, face or neck
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- History of gum disease
- And many more
Dental treatment is not meant as a punishment, and in most instances, an examination is painless. While specific treatments and surgeries can lead to discomfort and minor pain, they are few and far between. Granted, stating that simple fact does not alleviate all the anxiety someone may have, but you can use it as a sort of mantra for building up the courage to go to your next dental checkup.
While no one can force you to go to the dentist, it is crucial to understand the importance of regular checkups. Dentists want to help you maintain a beautiful smile for your entire life, but if you avoid their care, then you put your oral health at risk. If you would like to schedule a dental exam but are a little nervous, then contact a local dentist, like a Family Dentist Apex NC, to discuss the examination in more detail, attempting to get more comfortable with the idea.
Thank you to the experts at Alliance Dentistry for their input into the importance of regular dental checkups.
