Why Checkups Are Essential

When you are careful about your oral health you may wonder why it is that you need to schedule that twice a year appointment with your dentist.  Even if you’re flossing every day on top of a good brushing regime and are careful to use mouthwash, there are still important reasons to make your way to the dentist.  There are multiple reasons, most of which involve concerns that you may not be able to identify at home. Following are just a few of the reasons why getting your yearly dental checkup isn’t optional.

You Can’t Identify TMJ Issues At Home

Your dentist checks for a lot of things when you’re sitting in the dentist’s chair, and one of the concerns is with your Temporomandibular Joint, otherwise known as TMJ.  This joint plays an important role in the functioning of your mouth, and serves to connect your skull and jaw. Issues in this joint are common in those who grind or clench their teeth. Even in those without these habits concerns can form that it painful or difficult to talk or chew.  Catching these concerns early means they’re easier to treat.

Oral Cancer Needs A Second Set Of Eyes

Oral cancer doesn’t present in a way that would be obvious to many people, so the trained eye of your dentist is necessary to ensure your ongoing health.  It starts with hard spots in your mouth or under your tongue that are discolored, typically appearing as ugly yellow nodules. Since these can form in the jawbone, gums, and throat its necessary to have your dentist check you for them regularly.

Oral cancer is relatively easy to treat if you get to it when it’s still getting started, but can quickly become incredibly difficult to defeat without immediate treatment.  Don’t let a preventable tragedy destroy your family, get in and see your dentist twice a year.

Tartar, Cavities, And Plaque Form In Hidden Spaces

Even those who are particularly meticulous about their care aren’t necessarily getting all the nooks and crannies of their mouth.  It can be difficult to identify trouble spots without another set of eyes on the scene. Tartar is often impossible to remove at home, and cavities and plaque can form in places you can’t see, even in the mirror.  This includes spaces like below the gum line where you can’t see the effect it’s having on your teeth.

If you haven’t seen a dentist in a while or are looking for a new dentist after a move, check in with Dr. Adeola Lafeye at The Orthodontic Clinic PC.  With their team of experts they’ve been serving patients in Memphis, TN with their dental care needs for years. Whether you need cleaning and a check-up or are getting ready to start your journey with orthodontics they’ll be there for you.  Pick up the phone and call today to schedule an appointment. Every visit to the dentist could be one of the most important visits of your life, so why wait?