When was the last time you visited your Clearwater dentist? Unfortunately, only 65.5% of adults ages 18 and up have visited their dentist in the past year. 

As a result, 25.9% of adults ages 20 to 44 don't realize they have untreated cavities. About 25% of adults ages 45 to 64 also need treatment. Without routine dental exams, you could end up like the 13.2% of seniors with complete tooth loss.

Why schedule routine dental check-ups in Clearwater? Read on to find out! 

Preventive Dental Care

Visiting your Clearwater dentist for regular dental check-ups can help you avoid oral health issues. For example, perhaps you're not thoroughly brushing and flossing your teeth, this allows plaque to form.

Plaque is tacky and clear. You may not realize it's there, infecting your smile with bacteria. Created from food particles, saliva, and bacteria, it clings onto and between our teeth.

Over time, plaque can harden into tartar and release acid. The brush and toothpaste you use aren't strong enough to remove it. You'll need to visit your dentist for a professional cleaning instead. 

Otherwise, the bacteria will spread and release acid, destroying your protective tooth enamel. Once your enamel is gone, it won't grow back.

Your risk of developing a cavity will increase. Symptoms include tooth sensitivity and pain. You may notice staining or holes in your teeth. 

When left untreated, cavities can cause complications like:

• Ongoing pain
• Difficulty chewing
• Increased risk of breaking a tooth
• Pus around the tooth
• A tooth abscess

An abscess can become infected before causing life-threatening complications if you delay treatment. For example, it could enter your bloodstream or cause sepsis. 

Visit your family dentist every six months for preventive dental care. They may recommend professional fluoride treatments. Routine x-rays and teeth cleanings can also protect your smile. 

Preventive dental care can reduce your risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and other serious problems. It can also promote good oral hygiene habits. You'll want to protect your smile knowing you're about to visit your general dentist.

Routine appointments also ensure early detection. If there's a problem, you can receive treatment early before there are complications. 

Protect Your Gums

Plaque and tartar formation can increase your risk of gum disease. Gingivitis is a mild form of periodontal disease. It can cause your gums to become red, swollen, or bloody. 

When left untreated, gingivitis can evolve. Periodontal disease can cause the bones and tissue holding your teeth in place to break down. Your risk of losing teeth could increase. 

About 64 million Americans have a gum infection. However, you may not realize you're experiencing symptoms at first. Routine dental exams can ensure early detection and gum disease treatment.

Spotting signs of gingivitis before it progresses can protect your smile. It will also help you avoid complications and more extensive treatments.

Your dentist may recommend a dental deep cleaning. This involves removing tartar from above and below the gum line. Your dentist will remove tartar from the root surface before it spreads further. 

You can learn more about dental deep cleanings here. 

If the infection has spread, you may need surgery. Routine dental check-ups in Clearwater can help you avoid gum and tissue grafts. You can reduce the risk of losing teeth and needing dental implants to replace them. 

Failing to seek treatment could increase your risk of stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease. Protecting your smile with routine appointments can reduce your risk. 

Freshen Your Breath

Are you brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily? If not, bacteria will spread and cause bad breath. Having bad breath can be embarrassing and even cause anxiety.

If mouthwash and other products aren't fighting your bad breath, talk to your dentist. Routine appointments can address the route of the problem. They may recognize a more serious condition is causing it. 

You could develop bad breath due to:

• Dry mouth
• Certain foods
• Tobacco products
• Bad oral hygiene
• Late-stage gum disease
• Mouth, nose, and throat conditions
• Infections in the mouth
• Certain medications
• GERD

Determining the root cause will help you begin the right course of treatment. You can remedy your bad breath before it affects your quality of life. 

Keep Teeth Bright

Everything from the medications you take to the foods and beverages you consume can stain your teeth. Discoloration could make you self-conscious in social and professional settings. Visiting your dentist can lead to brighter teeth.

Routine cleanings will reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth. You can also visit your dentist for professional teeth cleanings. In-office treatments are more effective than at-home whitening kits.

Brightening your smile can benefit your appearance and self-confidence. 

Avoid Health Complications

Your oral health can affect your overall health. Routine dental exams can reduce your risk of serious health conditions. 

Remember, cavities can increase your risk of sepsis and infections. Gum disease can affect your cardiovascular health. Your dentist can spot early signs of these problems before they progress.

You can also visit your dentist for regular oral cancer screenings. Early detection can ensure you begin treatment as soon as possible. 

Improve Your At-Home Care

A pediatric dentist may recognize that your child's at-home oral hygiene routine is lacking. For example, maybe they're not using the right technique when brushing. They should use small circles instead of brushing side to side.

Maybe you're brushing too hard, which can damage your gums. This could cause gum bleeding.

Perhaps you're failing to floss between your back teeth, causing toothaches. Your dentist will recognize areas where you can improve your at-home care. These improvements can reduce your risk of oral health issues in the future. 

Save Money

Routine dental check-ups can help you save money. You can reduce your risk of oral health issues or complications. This will allow you to avoid extensive treatments, including surgery.

Protecting your teeth now can protect your health and wallet later. 

Schedule Regular Dental Exams in Clearwater

Don't skip future dental exams. Instead, make an appointment at Clearwater Dentist. Routine check-ups will help you maintain a beautiful, healthy smile. 

Our friendly dental office is committed to providing patients with high-quality dental care. Our mission is to help you maintain optimal oral hygiene and a healthy smile.

Trust our individualized care, minimally invasive treatments, and state-of-the-art technology. Contact us now to schedule your dental exam.