When was the last time you visited your dentist in Santa Rosa, CA? Only 64% of adults have scheduled a dental check-up in the past year. Skipping appointments can compromise your oral health.

You may need to schedule more appointments in the future to resolve serious problems. Not convinced you need to schedule an appointment? Here are 10 reasons you should visit the dentist today!

1. Clean Teeth

Maintaining a healthy, clean smile can improve your overall health. For example, research indicates a connection between oral health and cardiovascular health. People who receive regular dental care have a lower risk of:

• Heart disease
• Strokes
• Adverse cardiovascular outcomes

Bacteria in your mouth can travel to blood vessels elsewhere in your body. This could cause blood vessel inflammation and damage. You may develop a blood clot or have a stroke.

There’s a connection between tooth loss (indicating poor oral health) and coronary heart disease. Poor oral health doesn’t directly cause cardiovascular disease. However, maintaining good oral health could protect you from developing other issues.

The inverse is also true. Some underlying health conditions, like diabetes, can contribute to dental issues like gum disease. Dental visits can help you better manage your symptoms.

During a dental check-up, the dentist will evaluate your teeth and gums. They’ll also thoroughly clean your teeth.

Their professional-grade tools are more effective at removing plaque and tartar. Plaque is a clear, tacky film that clings onto and between our teeth. When left for too long, it can harden into tartar and release acid.

Plaque and tartar can destroy your protective tooth enamel. This can compromise your oral health and lead to complications. Once your enamel is gone, it won’t grow back.

Before that happens, schedule a dental cleaning. Appointments every six months will allow the dentist to remove plaque before it hardens.

They can protect your teeth using preventative methods. For example, you can request fluoride treatment before the end of your appointment.

2. Cavity Detection

Globally, around two billion people have dental caries (cavities). Cavities are small holes that form in your teeth. They can grow larger if you neglect to seek treatment.

Visiting your dentist regularly will ensure early cavity detection. You can begin immediate treatment before other problems develop.

Symptoms of cavities include:

• Tooth pain
• Visible holes in your teeth
• Black or white stains on your teeth
• Tooth sensitivity

If these problems sound familiar, visit your dentist right away. Otherwise, your pain will get worse.

A tooth abscess can develop and get infected. This could lead to life-threatening complications. An infection could enter your bloodstream or sepsis could occur.

You can prevent cavities by brushing twice a day and flossing daily. Routine appointments and dental sealants can further protect your smile.

3. Gum Disease Prevention

Gingivitis is a bacterial infection. It can develop due to plaque overgrowth. Neglecting good oral hygiene can cause gum disease.

Gum disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Losing a tooth can affect your oral health, self-confidence, and overall health.

Symptoms of gum disease include:

• Gums that are swollen, red, or tender
• Sensitive teeth
• Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
• Pain when chewing
• Gums that recede from your teeth
• Partial dentures no longer fitting
• Foul-smelling breath
• Loose teeth
• A change in your bite (malocclusion)

Your gums will continue moving away from your teeth. Your teeth may get loose and fall out. Surrounding teeth may shift toward the gap, affecting your bite.

Routine dental appointments can help you avoid gum disease. Your dentist will spot the early signs before complications develop.

4. Oral Cancer Screening

Your dentist can screen you for cancer during your appointments. Symptoms include:

• Weight loss
• Ear pain
• Sore throat
• Malocclusion
• Changes to your voice
• Red, speckles, or white patches in the mouth
• Bleeding in the mouth
• Lumps or swelling in the mouth
• Difficulty speaking, swallowing, or chewing

Regular screenings will ensure you begin treatment as soon as possible.

5. Resolve Bad Breath

Your oral hygiene and diet can cause bad breath. If your breath doesn’t improve after you brush your teeth, talk to your dentist. They can determine the underlying cause.

It’s possible plaque or gum disease is causing your bad breath. You may notice a sour taste in your mouth.

6. Improve Your Appearance

Issues with your smile can affect your self-confidence. Perhaps you’re unhappy with your dull or discolored teeth. Maybe you have unseemly gaps between your teeth.

You can pair cosmetic dentistry appointments with your routine check-ups. Treatments can improve the appearance of your smile. Cosmetic treatments can also improve your oral health, allowing you to maintain clean teeth.

7. Customized Treatment Plans

Visiting your dentist will allow you to determine your oral health care needs. They can make customized recommendations based on your goals.

For example, perhaps you’ve noticed a change in your bite. Maybe you grind your teeth at night. They can recommend Invisalign or mouthguards.

8. Fix Mistakes

Talk to your dentist about your at-home oral hygiene routine. They can fix any mistakes you’re making.

Brushing with too much pressure could cause your gums to bleed. You should brush using circular strokes, not a back-and-forth motion. Your dentist will recognize if you’re making these mistakes.

9. Save Money

Scheduling routine appointments now can help you save money later. Your dentist will recommend treatments to improve your oral health. Otherwise, your problems could worsen over time.

Rely on preventative dentistry services. You can improve your oral health to avoid more severe (and expensive) problems.

10. Peace of Mind

Visiting your dentist every six months will give you peace of mind. You can improve your oral health and recognize problems that require treatment.

Otherwise, stress about your oral hygiene can lead to teeth grinding. Your enamel will wear away, leaving your teeth vulnerable.

Visit Your Dentist in Santa Rosa, CA

Don’t put your oral health at risk. Instead, visit your dentist in Santa Rosa, CA. They’ll help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come.

Ready to upgrade your smile? Visit our team at Matthew Anderson DMD, MSD. We’re here to help patients live healthier lives.

We make patient care and compassion a priority. Allow us to develop your customized treatment plan. Contact us now to request an appointment.