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Regular visits to the dentist are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Yet, many people don’t visit the dentist as often as they should due to fear or neglect, which can lead to different oral problems. Today, we’ll discuss what happens if you don’t see the dentist and how often you should go to the dentist.
What Can Happen If I Don’t See A Dentist?
- Tooth decay. Brushing correctly three times a day and flossing can help keep good oral health by avoiding plaque, but teeth cleaning by the dentist or a specialist will remove plaque build-up. Plaque is a substance made of food particles, bacteria, and sugars that form over our teeth. Ir creates acids that affect the tooth’s enamel and the tongue, leading to problems such as bad breath and cavities.
- Teeth stains. If you commonly drink wine, coffee, or soda, smoke, or take certain medications, these habits can stain your teeth by making them have a yellow or brown tone. Teeth stains can happen on the tooth surface or below the enamel. A professional dental cleaning at your dentist’s office can help you regain a brighter smile; however, if this is not enough to remove stains, you can also go under a teeth whitening treatment.
- Gum disease. It is the inflammation or infection of the gums. Your gums protect your teeth and roots from bacteria. If bacteria is left under the gumline, it will form calculus deposits and lead to periodontal disease, gum swelling and bleeding, bad breath, and bone loss. Scheduling an appointment with your dentist for proper care can remove bacteria, helping you to maintain your mouth clean and healthy.
- Digestive health problems. Since the digestion process begins in your mouth, your dentist may be able to detect different digestive issues in the early stages. Acid reflux causes erosion of teeth because of the PH level of the acids that go in contact with your teeth. By regularly attending your dental check-ups, the specialist can also help detect conditions like Crohn’s syndrome.
- Plaque build-up. Plaque is a formation of bacteria and sugars that form over our teeth. Plague development is the primary reason we must brush our teeth. It is also one of the reasons that a deep teeth cleaning is needed. If you don’t remove the plaque from your teeth, it will turn into tartar, a mineral build-up that forms when plaque hardens on your teeth; if this is the case, it is highly recommended to go to a specialist to get it professionally and carefully removed.
Visiting the dentist for a periodic oral evaluation and teeth cleaning may provide the earliest warning signs of severe health problems. Once detected, the specialist would suggest the best type of treatment for you. Visiting the dentist twice or at least once a year is a small price compared to developing more significant health problems that can be painful and costlier long term.
What Happens During A Dental Check-Up?
- You’ll be asked about your medical record, current health status, and any problems related to your oral health.
- The doctor will examine your teeth, gums, and mouth.
- You’ll be advised about your dental habits.
- If needed, after the evaluation, the dentist will perform teeth cleaning or create a treatment plan according to your needs.
What Is A Teeth Cleaning?
The professional cleaning of teeth is a crucial part of good oral hygiene. Dental cleaning is a simple and painless procedure that aims to remove plaque, tartar, and accumulated stains on the teeth. It is needed every 6-12 months to maintain the health of your teeth and gums and prevent tooth decay, as well as the likelihood of periodontal disease progressing. At The Dental District, we do ultrasonic teeth cleaning, an advanced technique that uses high-frequency waves without damaging the tooth enamel.
What Are The Benefits Of A Teeth Cleaning?
- It helps to prevent gum disease and tooth decay by eliminating bacteria buildup.
- It helps you avoid paying for expensive dental procedures in the future.
- It’s a simple and painless procedure.
- Teeth will feel noticeably fresher and brighter right after the cleaning.
What Is A Deep Cleaning?
Sometimes a regular dental cleaning isn’t enough. If bacteria invade below your gum line, you’ll need a deep dental cleaning (also known as periodontal scaling or root planing) to restore your gums and prevent oral health complications, such as periodontal disease and tooth loss.
This particular type of cleaning is needed when gums have become infected due to tartar buildup, which can lead to the formation of pus-filled pockets around the teeth.
Difference Between Regular Cleaning And Deep Cleaning
- A regular cleaning focuses on and above the gum line. A deep cleaning works below it.
- Regular cleaning removes superficial bacteria around teeth. Deep cleaning removes deep pockets of bacteria and extensive tartar buildup collected under the gumline that can’t be eliminated by brushing or flossing.
- Regular cleaning can be performed regularly on patients with healthy gums. Deep cleaning is primarily performed on patients with periodontal or gum disease.
- Routine dental cleanings are for oral health maintenance. Deep cleanings require a more intensive procedure called scaling and root planing, aimed at minimizing the size of the bacteria pockets that developed with the progression of gingivitis.
- When performing regular dental cleaning, anesthesia is not required. In a deep dental procedure, anesthesia is often used to numb your gums during cleaning.
In our Dental Clinic in Tijuana prevention is vital when it comes to oral health. At The Dental District, you’ll find the best dentist in Tijuana at affordable prices, where you can save up to 70% on dental treatments such as invisible orthodontics in Tijuana, endodontics in Mexico, dental implants in Mexico and dental braces in Tijuana. We offer comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages; our team of specialists is dedicated to providing excellent service and helping you maintain a bright smile. Contact us and schedule an appointment today!