BENEFITS OF EARLY DETECTION
Q: If my teeth feel and look fine, do I still need to see a dentist?
A: If you want to keep your teeth feeling and looking fine, the best way to do it is to visit your dentist every six months. And should an issue develop in your mouth — a cavity, say, or gum disease — it won’t have the chance to develop into something serious (and expensive!) if it’s nipped in the bud at a regular visit. Spending a relatively small amount on regular maintenance of your oral health is a lot better than having to pay later for a major problem.
As education and the techniques of dental care have improved over the decades, the incidence of decay is down. However, the incidence of gum disease, called periodontal disease, is up. Even if your teeth appear to you to be sound, they can be undermined by gum disease. Gum disease can erode both the tissue and the bone that support the teeth. And the early stage of gum disease is not something you’re going to notice at home. It takes a dental exam.
The rule of thumb is that you should see your dentist for a checkup twice a year. But only your dentist can determine what the proper schedule is for your situation. So, visit a dentist soon, even if your mouth feels fine.
If you, your family, or friends need dental care, we would be honored to provide you with state-of-the-art dental care in our modern dental practice. Refer someone you love to someone you trust!
Presented as a service to the community by Doctors Hoover and Yanda,
39 Milford Drive, Hudson, Ohio 44236. 330-650-0360.