According to the American Dental Association, about 42% of Americans don’t see a dentist regularly. For some reason, people tend to have a lot of underlying fears when it comes to dental care. It could be due to bad experiences, or worrying about pain. But, regular dental checkups are extremely important.
If you’re in Castro Valley, California and you haven’t been to a dentist in too long, it’s time to make an appointment. Going to the dentist is about more than just getting your teeth cleaned. It can impact your overall health and well-being.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at a few reasons why you should make an appointment in Castro Valley.
A Dentist Can Check for Oral Cancer
Your mouth is susceptible to different diseases. The risk of those diseases can become greater without proper dental care and regular checkups. If you go to a doctor once or twice a year to make sure you’re healthy, you should be going to a dentist for the same reason.
Dentists can check for oral cancer, gum disease, and a variety of other issues that bacteria in the mouth can cause. Getting these conditions treated quickly and early on will make the treatment and recovery process much easier.
Preventing Plaque Build-Up
You might think that you don’t need to go to the dentist because you brush your teeth and floss regularly. But, even the most diligent brushers can easily miss certain areas of the mouth. That makes it easy for plaque and tartar to build up. It also puts you at risk for cavities.
When tartar does build-up over time, it can cause your teeth to start eroding or creating small holes within them – that’s where cavities come in.
Regular dental cleanings and checkups in Castro Valley can remove black and prevent tartar from causing too much damage. If you already have the beginning of a cavity, a dentist can work with you to fill it and prevent more damage.
Checking for Other Health Issues
When most people think about the dentist, they only think of their teeth and gums. But, most dentists will also check your neck, head, and lymph nodes at a regular visit. In doing so, they can discover things like swelling or any other abnormalities that should be looked at by a doctor.
Certain diseases of the thyroid and lymph nodes can require immediate attention. Going to the dentist regularly can help you to discover if there are any issues that much sooner, so you can get them treated quickly.
How Often Should You Go to the Dentist?
Dentistry in Castro Valley is important for the oral health of everyone. Even if you haven’t been to a dentist in years, there’s no need to be worried about what to expect. When you make an appointment, you’re making a positive choice for your oral health, as well as your overall well-being.
It’s recommended that you go to the dentist every six months for regular cleanings and checkups, but if you’re at risk for things like gum disease or you’re prone to plaque, you may need to make more frequent appointments. Talking with a dentist can help you to determine the best plan that’s right for you, so you can feel confident in your smile and not have to deal with unwanted mouth or tooth pain.
