Have you heard the saying, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”? That couldn’t be more true when it comes to scheduling your routine dental checkup. It’s easier to stop something from happening in the first place than to repair the damage after it has happened.

According to the ADA, “The mouth is a window into the health of the body. It can show signs of nutritional deficiencies or general infection.” In fact, research has shown that advanced periodontal disease “is linked with other health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, stroke and bacterial pneumonia.” So don’t put off your dental checkup.

Here are five reasons to schedule your next dental checkup.

Screen for Oral cancer

Early detection of oral cancer is most important and can improve the treatment success rate. Symptoms include persistent red ulcers, sudden tooth mobility without apparent cause, unusual oral bleeding and prolonged hoarseness. Your dentists will screen you for any signs of oral cancer.

Preventative Care

Dentists don’t always have to solve problems, they can prevent them from happening in the first place. Your dentist can spot potential problems before they escalate into infection, disease and even tooth loss.

Teeth Cleaning

During your routine cleaning, your dentist will check for plaque and tartar on your teeth. Plaque is a clear, sticky layer of bacteria. If it is not removed, it can harden and become tartar. If plaque and tartar build up on your teeth, they can cause oral diseases. Your dentist will remove any plaque along your teeth and gums to prevent oral problems in the future.

Save time and money

Treating the problem as soon as it surfaces stops oral health issues from getting worse. These problems can be caused by medications, eating habits, oral hygiene, smoking and medical conditions.  Early detection through routine check-ups can save time and money on treatments in the future.

Maintain healthy teeth and gums

Since gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults, regular dental check ups are vital to keeping your teeth in your mouth. Preserving your teeth allows for better chewing function and ultimately, better health.

When it comes to your oral health it is important you are proactive and seeing your dentist regularly so that they can catch any  problems before they escalate. To learn more visit our website at Sedation and Implant Dentistry in Tehachapi, a call today at (661) 822-3727.

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Jose David Sanchez is a member of the American Dental Association