Top 6 Risks of Missing Your Dental Checkups and Cleanings

Amelia Grant

A balanced and nutritious diet, consistent brushing, and flossing are all necessary for optimal dental health. However, maintaining a good oral hygiene routine at home might not be sufficient enough to stop dental problems. Your dental and overall health depend on having professional cleanings and exams at least every two years.

Here are the top six risks of skipping your biannual dental exams and why routine cleanings and examinations are good for your health:

1. Plaque accumulation 

Tartar forms when plaque accumulates in hard-to-reach areas without being professionally removed. Even with regular brushing, flossing, and the use of an antimicrobial mouthwash, tartar is difficult to eliminate on your own. Only a dentist can remove tartar after it has developed.

Gingivitis which is a disease caused by tartar accumulation along the gum line can be reversed with frequent cleanings by your dental hygienist. It develops into periodontitis if ignored, creating pockets between your gums and teeth and harming the tissues and the underlying jawbone that support your teeth.

To decrease the rates of plaque accumulating on your teeth between dental appointments use fluoride-containing tartar control toothpaste and an electric toothbrush that has been recommended by the ADA.

2. Stained teeth 

Every 6 months, a dental hygienist must clean and polish your teeth to get rid of surface discoloration, tartar, and plaque. Skipping a cleaning might give you a lifeless smile and make you feel less confident.

Scheduling biannual cleanings with a dentist will make your teeth whiter and cleaner. Talk to your dentist about your teeth-whitening options if you have serious stains. Depending on your smile objectives, the specialist may suggest a cosmetic remedy like a professional teeth whitening procedure or porcelain veneers.

3. Bad breath

Plaque is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and can also result in bad breath, particularly if you have gum disease symptoms.

Dry mouth, smoking, tobacco use, kidney and liver problems, as well as a throat or respiratory infection, can all contribute to an unhealthy and embarrassing smell coming from your mouth.

Regular dental exams can help identify the source of your unpleasant breath and whether you require medical treatment from your doctor.

4. Oral infections and missing teeth 

Missing a dentist visit puts your periodontal and gum health in danger, increasing your likelihood of developing gingivitis and other periodontal diseases.

Gum disease is indicated by red, swollen, painful, and bleeding gums. You could feel pain when chewing, have receding gums, have persistent bad breath, and suffer jawbone deterioration as the gum disease worsens. Gum disease patients are more likely to get heart attacks, strokes, and other heart problems. Only with regular hygiene and professional cleanings, your smile will remain bright and your gums will remain healthy.

5. Cavities

Routine dental visits make it simple to prevent and treat cavities. If you don't keep your appointment, bacteria, plaque, and tartar can build up and eat away at the protective layer of your teeth, potentially causing cavities.

A dental crown, root canal, or even extraction may be necessary to treat a cavity that has progressed too far.

6. Mouth cancer

There are more than 50,000 new instances of mouth cancer detected each year across the US. The tongue, lips, floor, and roof of your mouth, cheeks, throat, and sinuses are all susceptible to mouth cancer.

During your routine dental examination, your dentist checks for mouth cancer to find and treat it in its early stages. The best likelihood of a favorable treatment outcome can be achieved by early identification.