Are you the type of person who waits until they have a toothache to visit the dentist? You’re often left with a hefty bill and quite a bit of pain to manage. Regular visits to the dentist help you safeguard your dental health and avoid complicated, costly procedures. If you live in the greater San Diego area, here are 4 reasons to visit a Carlsbad dentist regularly.
1. Get a deep cleaning
Even if you follow a flawless brushing and flossing routine, you likely miss a few spots. Plaque can build up in hard-to-reach areas. As the plaque hardens into tartar, it erodes the tooth enamel, leaving you susceptible to cavities.
You can’t remove tartar with regular brushing and flossing. At a routine cleaning, a dental professional will remove tartar and plaque buildup and give you a clean slate to work with. Plus, your teeth never feel smoother than they do following a dental cleaning.
2. Prevent and manage gum disease
Plaque and tartar contain bacteria that harm your teeth and gums. Because tartar can build up below the gum line, it may cause irritation and infection. Gum disease can damage the structures that support your teeth and jaw. Researchers have also linked gum disease to cardiovascular disease.
Visiting a Carlsbad dentist for routine dental cleanings reduces your risk of developing gum disease. Moreover, our team will examine your gums for signs of disease. If you catch periodontal disease early, you can reverse it with proper oral hygiene and professional treatments.
3. Go beyond the surface
A dentist in Del Mar will take X-rays on a regular basis. X-rays show dark spots before they have a chance to turn into deep cavities. They also help the dentist keep an eye on the progression of decay and other dental problems.
Dental X-rays can reveal issues that aren’t visible to the naked eye, such as:
- Abscesses
- Bone loss in the jaw
- Cysts or tumors
- Decay between teeth and beneath fillings
4. Keep an eye on your general health
Your oral health can tell you a lot about your general well-being. For example, tooth erosion can be a sign of jaw clenching, which is often a symptom of other medical conditions. Dentists may also be able to detect signs of health conditions such as sleep apnea.
A dentist will examine your mouth for signs of oral cancer. They often check for abnormalities in your jaw, neck and lymph nodes as well. These examinations can catch serious health issues, such as thyroid disease, before they begin producing severe symptoms.
Most people should visit a dentist in Encinitas for a routine exam and cleaning every six months. People with severe dental issues may want to see a dentist more frequently. Give us a call to schedule an appointment, maintain your healthy smile and get peace of mind.
