It is advised that people visit their dentist twice a year for a thorough checkup and cleaning. Many people, however, put off scheduling an appointment until an emergency arises. Visiting a Dentist in Kona for regular checkups can prevent dental problems down the road. There are many reasons you should remember to visit your dentist for bi-annual appointments.
Catch Cavities Early
Cavities are one of the most common problems discovered by dentists during annual exams. These are holes that develop in a tooth due to decay and bacteria. When a cavity is still small, your Dentist in Kona can easily fill it with a special material. This will prevent the cavity from growing. However, untreated cavities will continue to get larger. Eventually, the decay may reach the nerve of the tooth, resulting in a painful infection. When this happens, the only treatments available are extraction and root canal therapy. Seeing your dentist for a routine checkup may help catch a small cavity before it grows into something much worse.
Prevent Gum Disease
Healthy gum tissue is an essential part of good dental health. Unfortunately, many people develop gum disease. During a dental checkup, the dentist will check your gums for signs of irritation. Gingivitis, an early form of gum disease, is easily treatable. However, once it turns into the full periodontal disease, it is harder to treat. Gum scaling is one of the only ways to successfully treat advanced gum disease. When gum tissue becomes extremely diseased, patients may lose some or all of their teeth. This is a big reason why Carter S. Yokoyama D.D.S. recommends daily brushing and flossing, in addition to regular dental checkups.
Cleaner Teeth
One of the best things about bi-annual dental exams is having your teeth thoroughly cleaned. A dental hygienist will make sure every tooth is scraped clean of plaque and tartar buildup. They will even give you a fluoride rinse, if desired, to help prevent bacteria from thriving in your mouth. A dental cleaning is much more thorough than simply brushing at home.
If you are behind in your regular dental exams, be sure to schedule an appointment. Visit the website to see other services offered by your local dentist. A routine dental exam can help prevent dental problems, such as cavities and gum disease, from getting worse. You will also leave the clinic with brighter, cleaner smile.