When you take exceptionally good care of your teeth at home, it can seem like postponing or skipping a checkup and cleaning appointment wouldn’t be a big deal. However, missing your appointment could have several negative consequences for your oral health, and many of them may not be immediately noticeable. At our El Paso, TX, dental office, we emphasize the importance of consistency when it comes to caring for your smile, including the importance of never skipping a preventive exam and cleaning at our office.
Leaving plaque to its own devices
The most consistent threat to your smile is the plaque that forms on your teeth and oral tissues every day. This biofilm is a mixture of food particles and, mostly, oral bacteria – many of which are harmful and can lead to issues like tooth decay, gum disease, and more. Typically, plaque can be removed by brushing and flossing it away every day. However, it doesn’t take long for plaque to calcify, or harden, into tartar, which is insoluble and can’t be cleaned away at home. Sticking to a schedule of checkups and cleanings gives us the chance to routinely remove tartar, before the bacteria in it can lead to dental health trouble.
Missing important warning signs
When things like tooth decay and gum disease first develop, there are several different signs that warn of their presence. For example, before a cavity develops, your tooth enamel will grow weak from erosion. Before gum disease becomes a serious issue, you may notice your gums becoming red, inflamed, and angry-looking, and they may bleed slightly when you brush and floss your teeth. You have a better chance of noticing these signs during a routine checkup and exam, and will be able to treat the issue sooner, before it leads to more severe oral health complications.
Needing extensive dental treatment
When you miss the early signs of a dental disease, or neglect visiting your dentist long enough for the disease to become severe, addressing the issue becomes increasingly more complicated. By the time you do schedule a visit, you might need to restore a severely damaged or infected tooth, or replace one that’s been lost or has to be extracted. The best way to avoid more serious issues is to prevent them with excellent hygiene and consistent preventive visits to your dentist.
Don’t skip your next checkup & cleaning
Regular checkups and cleanings are a cornerstone of a healthy smile, but they only work if you stick to your schedule of appointments. For more information, schedule a consultation by calling the Sunny Smiles dental office nearest you in El Paso, TX, today! We also have offices in Chaparral, Canutillo, and Vinton so we can easily serve patients throughout all surrounding communities.