Back to Basics: Risks of Skipping Routine Dental Visits

You may know that brushing and flossing twice daily is recommended to prevent oral issues. But did you know that the American Dental Association also recommends visiting your provider every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning? This allows your provider to monitor your condition to catch and treat any areas of concern before they can progress.

Because most dental problems get worse over time, not better, it’s essential to prevent them before they occur or address them as early as possible. Continue reading to learn about 3 potential consequences of skipping routine appointments!

Concern #1: Cavities

Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in your mouth produce acids that erode your enamel, leaving your pearly white vulnerable to additional injury or decay. It’s easy to think your mouth must be healthy if you don’t see any holes in the protective outer layer of your teeth, but unfortunately, caries can develop in places that are hard to see, like between two teeth or behind your molars.

Meanwhile, your dentist takes X-rays at least once annually to build a more comprehensive view of your dental condition. This helps them identify and treat cavities you might not even be aware of.

Concern #2: Gum Disease

Periodontitis, or advanced gum disease, is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, but it can often be avoided if the proper precautions are taken. For instance, flossing both morning and night after you’ve brushed your teeth clears harmful germs from your connective tissues to strengthen them.

However, it’s still possible to develop gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. This condition often starts small but is able to progress because it doesn’t always exhibit visible symptoms until it advances. Thankfully, your dentist knows what signs to look for and can help halt the disease before it gets out of control.

Concern #3: Oral Cancer

Many providers also include a soft-tissue screening for oral cancer as a standard part of routine visits. An estimated 59,000 new cases are diagnosed annually, and of those, just over half will still be alive after 5 years. Treating this potentially fatal condition can be quite challenging, though your chances of survival increase significantly if it’s caught early enough. Seeing your dentist regularly allows them to check for any recent indicators that you might have developed an issue.

As you can see, there are several excellent reasons to schedule routine visits with your dentist!

Meet the Author

Dr. Xinxing Liu is passionate about helping families in Dallas build the most beautiful and healthy versions of their smiles. She earned her dental degree from the Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Today, she provides a comprehensive menu of services to people of all ages conveniently under one roof, including routine checkups and cleanings. If it’s been a while since you’ve had a standard visit, you can request an appointment on the website or call (469) 210-7223.