Royal Oak and Birmingham, MI
Many people just assume that if their teeth seem healthy, then why bother going to the dentist? That line of thought is to the contrary, as prevention is the key to optimal oral health. There is a lot that could be going on with your teeth and gums that do not show many symptoms until your teeth are in need of repair or irreversible damage has been done.
Here are the reasons why you should go to the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings instead of just waiting until you feel pain or something goes wrong.
Bite Correction
Sure, your chompers have been chewing food for years but is your bite properly aligned for optimal support and function? Alternatively, maybe your crooked teeth do not bother you, but you would be surprised to know that misaligned teeth can have negative consequences on your oral health. An optimal bite can not only make you feel confident about your smile, but also relieves tension headaches, mouth, jaw, and neck pain. If you are suffering from bruxism, a condition that leads to clenching and grinding of the teeth, a customized mouth guard is ideal for protecting your teeth from being ground down.
Dental Cleaning
We all get tartar buildup around our teeth and gums, no matter how well you take care of your teeth. Tartar is a hard substance that harbors bacteria that causes tooth decay (cavities), gum disease, infection, and tooth loss. Even with your best efforts of brushing and flossing at home, you simply cannot remove tartar buildup once it has formed. You can save yourself some trouble by having your teeth cleaned regularly at the dentist’s office twice a year. Plus, you will enjoy healthy teeth much longer than if you ignore these checkups.
Prevention and Disease Control
During your checkups at the dentist, your oral health is documented so that problems are apparent, should any changes occur. Also, small issues can be nipped in the bud, instead of waiting until a dental problem is much more serious, requiring invasive treatment. A simple filling is less invasive, and much easier on the wallet, than compared to the cost of a root canal or even replacing a missing tooth due to extensive decay and damage. Remember the old saying that an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure!
That is not all the dentist can do. Establishing good oral health is essential to your overall well-being. The dentist can work together with you to derive a treatment plan and oral health regimen that fits your needs. Plus, when you take good care of your teeth, you are lowering your risk of systemic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
To schedule an appointment, contact Hartrick Dentistry today at (248) 549-0950. We welcome patients of all ages and look forward to helping you begin or continue a journey of optimal oral health.
Hartrick Dentistry is proud to serve the oral health needs of patients in the areas of Royal Oak and Birmingham, Michigan.