Protecting Our Kids' Smiles

Dental checkups are an essential part of life. Not only do they help to keep your teeth healthy, but they can also help to protect you against serious health problems. Visiting a dentist should be a regular part of everyone's life, from small children to elderly people. Here are a few good reasons not to put off your next dental check-up.

1. Prevent Cavities

During a dental check-up, a dentist can let you know if the enamel that protects your teeth is showing any signs of wearing thin. When enamel becomes badly damaged, it is possible for a cavity to occur, which can be very painful if the decay reaches the root of the tooth. Dentists can give hygiene advice that can help you to prevent dental cavities. They can also apply a fluoride treatment to your teeth to strengthen the enamel and make cavities less likely to occur.

2. Treat Cavities

Even if you take good care of your teeth, it is still possible for a cavity to develop. Some people are more susceptible to dental cavities than others. Dentists can provide treatment to prevent cavities from getting any larger and protect the inner part of the tooth. Usually, this treatment takes the form of a dental filling, which today would usually be made from a tooth-coloured composite material. Getting a dental filling is quick, easy, and can save your tooth.

3. Prevent and Treat Gum Disease

Gum disease is very common in people who don't attend regular dental checkups. This condition occurs when bacteria invade the gum tissue, causing inflammation and pain. Perhaps you have noticed that your gums sometimes bleed when you brush or floss, which is a telltale sign of gum disease. Dentists can treat gum disease by prescribing medicated mouth rinse products or performing a procedure to clean bacteria out of the gums. The advice they provide on brushing, flossing, and otherwise keeping your mouth clean can help to prevent gum disease from coming back.

4. Get Checked for Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is a serious illness that can be fatal if it is left untreated. Dentists are trained to spot the early signs of this cancer, which often presents as discoloured patches inside the mouth. By attending regular dental checkups, you can give yourself the best chance of having your cancer diagnosed at an early stage when it is still possible to treat it.

For more information, contact a dentist near you.