Life comes at you fast. While seeing your dentist twice a year seems like an easy enough task, sometimes life gets in the way and, before you know it, you have not seen your dentist in a year or more for a routine examination and cleaning. We want to say this is not a big deal, but the truth is that going this long without seeing your dentist could be detrimental to your oral health. Seeing your dentist for twice-yearly teeth cleanings and examinations allows for troublesome plaque and tartar to be removed and for any dental issues to be identified at an early stage before they can cause harm. If you are in the Tucson, Arizona area and looking for a trusted local dentist, please consider Dr. William Taylor at Martin Taylor Dentistry.

While it may seem like overkill to see your dentist once every six months, the truth is that a lot can change with your oral health in that time. Here are some of the consequences you could find yourself facing if you do not go in for your routine checkups and teeth cleanings.

Plaque Buildup

When you go in for your dental checkup, one important service your dentist provides is teeth cleaning. Getting your teeth cleaned regularly allows for troublesome plaque in hard-to-reach areas of your mouth to be cleaned before it can turn into tartar. Tartar is much harder than plaque and cannot be removed by simple brushing or flossing at home. Your dentist has the equipment necessary to remove this tartar which, when left alone, can begin to cause oral health issues such as gum disease. Plaque and tartar must be removed regularly by your dentist.

Tooth Decay

When plaque and tartar are allowed to build up and remain on your teeth, decay is inevitable. When your teeth begin to decay, not only will you begin to experience pain and discomfort, but it can lead to other dental health issues, including chronic bad breath and, eventually, tooth loss. Do not let tooth loss occur just because you did not schedule your twice a year cleanings.

Tooth Loss

Tooth loss can occur for many reasons, but the most common reasons for tooth loss are advanced tooth decay and untreated gum disease. Seeing your dentist regularly will ensure that neither of these is allowed to progress to the point where you start losing teeth. Your smile is so important to you, and it can remain in good health by simply scheduling your twice-yearly appointments.

Gum Disease

Your teeth are the most visible part of your smile, so forgetting about the health of your gums can be easy to do. This is especially true if they are not causing you discomfort. The earliest stage of gum disease can present itself through swollen and red gums that do not cause any pain. Neglecting the health of your gums can lead to advanced stages of gum disease that cause discomfort and could eventually lead to tooth and bone loss. A regular visit to your dentist will allow them to catch your gum disease in the early stages when it can be easily reversed.

Cavities

Cavities are the most common dental health issue that you are likely to face if you neglect to see your dentist regularly. When bacteria, plaque, and tartar are allowed to build up, they will eat away at the tooth’s enamel. This results in tiny holes in the teeth called cavities. When cavities are caught when they are small, they are easily treatable with fillings. As they become larger and more extensive, more invasive dental work such as a root canal or dental crowns may be required to save your tooth.

As you can see, you could face many negative consequences when you do not visit your dentist for a cleaning and examination on a regular twice-yearly basis. Seeing your dentist is so easy. Do not let yourself suffer from unnecessary dental health issues. Please call (520) 600-6925 today to schedule an appointment with Dr. William Taylor.