5 Negative Effects of Skipping Dental Checkups

It’s quite common for people to avoid dental checkups for different reasons. While some people are anxious about dental examination, others believe that they don’t need a checkup as there is nothing wrong with their dental health. However, one should never skip an appointment with the dentist to make sure that there is nothing wrong. Having no sign or symptom doesn’t mean everything is right with your oral health.

Here’s a Look at What Can Go Wrong by Skipping Dental Appointments:

• Increased Risk for Tooth Decay

Bacteria are natural components in our mouth but excess of bacteria can harm our oral health. Bacteria create a sticky film on teeth known as plaque. If plaque remains on teeth for more than 12 hours, it begins to calcify and becomes hard which is known as tartar. If the tartar is not removed, it can make the enamel weak.

• More likely to Develop Gum Disease

The buildup of plaque and tartar can damage the soft tissues. This results in inflammation, irritation, and infection which are all signs of gum disease. You may experience some warning signs of early gum diseases but if left untreated, it can lead to gum recession, chronic bad breath and tooth loss.

• At Higher Risk for Oral Cancer

Most of the dental checkups involve oral cancer screenings. Even though the dentist specializes in dentistry and not oncology, they have an idea of how your healthy oral and facial structure should look and function, it helps them in figuring out any signs of the deadly disease.

• More Likely to Lose One or More Teeth

People skipping dental checkup can never get an opportunity to treat any dental issue in early stage which means they may lose a tooth. Thus, it is always beneficial to seek preventive dentistry care.

• More Invasive Treatments Needed to Achieve a Healthy Smile

Regular dental examination helps in treating the dental issue during early phase with the help of mild treatments but when the underlying issue reaches to advanced stage, more invasive and expensive treatments are required.