You’ve thought about seeing the dentist, but keep getting distracted or busy. You can’t remember the last time you went in for a checkup, but life is so eventful. We understand busy schedules, but failure to visit the dentist on time can result in tooth decay and severe systemic health complications. In other words, you might spend a lot of time repairing what could have been prevented.
It’s true, dental care is about more than brushing and flossing. In fact, even if you brush and floss your teeth after every meal, you’re still at risk for serious oral and physical health issues due to gum disease, including:
- Tooth Loss
- Pulmonary Complications
- Pregnancy Complications
- Specific Types of Dementia
- Autoimmune Issues
Your dedication to the toothbrush, floss, and healthy eating habits is fantastic, but they should always be in concert with regular dental care.
Understanding Gum Disease and Tooth Decay
Gum disease and tooth decay are the most common issues patients face when they don’t see the dentist. Gum disease is especially concerning because it contributes to serious general health complications.
About Gum Disease
- Gum disease starts as gingivitis, which is curable. However, when it advances to periodontitis, it is merely treatable. Without treatment, you risk severe oral and general health complications.
- Gum disease symptoms include bleeding gums when brushing and flossing, gum recession, recurring bad breath, and gum irritation.
- You don’t have to experience every symptom to be diagnosed with gum disease!
- Remember, regular dental checkups and teeth cleanings can catch gum disease in its curable stage or prevent it altogether. This is true even if you have genetic risk factors.
About Tooth Decay
Tooth decay or cavities can happen to people of all ages, especially when they don’t brush and floss regularly or make appointments for general dentistry in West Allis.
Tooth decay forms when you leave plaque and tartar on the teeth. Tartar hardens, is acidic, and erodes enamel, leaving behind a cavity. Your toothbrush and dental floss can’t clear stubborn tartar. Only a dental professional can do that.
Other Reasons to Have a Regular Dental Exam in West Allis
Tooth decay and gum disease are not the only reasons to see your dentist regularly. Through regular checkups, you get oral cancer screenings, x-rays, and periodontal checks. Teeth cleanings remove plaque and tartar but also contribute to fresher breath and less tooth staining.
Failure to see the dentist also puts you at risk for an oral infection. These painful infections are typically in the tooth chamber and cause sudden, excruciating pain. Root canal infections are dental emergencies and require prompt care in our dental office.
Signs of a tooth root infection include:
- Toothache
- Jaw swelling
- Blister on the gum
- Tooth darkening
If you suspect a root infection, seeing your dentist as soon as possible is important. Failure to treat can lead to tooth loss, infection spread, and worsening pain.
Remember, root canal therapy is gentle and painless. It is how we eliminate your discomfort and save your tooth.
Your Role in a Healthy Smile
Regular dental care alone is not enough to protect your teeth and gums. Likewise, regular brushing and flossing alone are not enough to protect your teeth and gums. When it comes to smile health, it’s all about the collaboration between you and the dental team.
For your part, be sure to do the following:
- Brush after every meal or at least twice daily.
- Floss after every meal or at least once daily.
- Reduce sugary/acidic snacks and beverages.
- If you smoke or vape, consider quitting.
- Report oral health abnormalities or changes to your dentist.
When you brush, be sure to clean all tooth surfaces. When you floss, always use fresh string sections as you move along. If you need a refresh, our team will share techniques and strategies with you.
The Power of Prevention: How Dental Cleanings and Exams Help
Dental cleanings help by ridding the teeth and gums of the ingredients that cause decay, disease, bad breath, tooth stains, and infections. Dental exams help diagnose these (and other oral health issues) early.
Typically, an early diagnosis means less invasive or prolonged treatment.
How Often You Should Visit the Dentist
Most dentists recommend twice-yearly checkups and teeth cleanings because this schedule lowers complication risks. However, if you have a specific oral health issue, such as gum disease, the dentist will recommend a more customized treatment schedule to save your teeth and lower your risks for significant complications.
When a Tooth Cannot Be Saved
If you’ve avoided dental care for a long time, you may have a missing tooth or one that is deeply decayed. We can sometimes save a deeply decayed or damaged tooth through treatment and crowning. However, we offer tooth replacement options at varying price points if it cannot be saved.
- Dental Implants
- All-on-4 (Implant Dentures)
- Dental Bridges
- Dentures and Partials
Why Choose Urgent Dental Care for Your Oral Health
The team at Urgent Dental Care offers a wide range of skills and treatments to help ensure your long-term dental health. We also approach care as a team, bringing our unique backgrounds and training to every patient we treat. You’ll find that we are compassionate dental professionals who share a patient-centered focus
We are so dedicated to our patients that we encourage you to contact us after hours if you have a dental emergency or urgent oral health concern. You’ll also find advanced office hours and many ways to pay.
In us, you’ll discover judgement-free professionals who want to help.
Our aim is simple: to ensure you enjoy a healthy and comfortable smile today and in the future.
Is It Time for Your Next Checkup and Teeth Cleaning?
Our priority is your oral health!
If you’re Googling “teeth cleaning near me,” look no further than the team at Urgent Dental Care! We provide professional checkups, teeth cleanings, and more in our dental office. To get started or if you have questions, call us today at (414) 667-0911.
We accept most dental insurance plans and participate with CareCredit financing, SunBit, and LendingClub.