Why Neglecting Regular Visits To The Dentist Can Backfire
As is with the case with most adages, whenever you hear the term "every 6 months", it's not talking about oil changes. "Every 6 months" is usually a recommendation to visit the dentist for a teeth cleaning. Quite frankly, I'm the familiar procrastinator who neglects the dentist for a whole year, if not longer. And when that happens, the warning signs aren't picked up and any small cavity can grow into a handful.
That's why I will run down a list of problems that can arise when anyone forgets to visit the dentist on a regular occasion. The following list definitely applies to people who love their sugary foods, smoke on a regular basis, or drink coffee like water's gone extinct.
First off, ignoring biannual trips to the dentist can backfire with the most glaring sign: discoloration of your teeth. When those pearly whites start to get darker, you'll take notice and decide to maybe brush twice-a-day instead of once. But sometimes if you don't change your habits of what you eat or drink, or compensate for adding more sugars and stain-causing foods, your teeth will fade.
Secondly, you may never know the proper routines of how to take care of your teeth if you haven't been to a dentist for professional tips and advice. This means that even though you may be brushing your teeth, you aren't flossing once-a-day along with it. Or you may brush three times-a-day and not finish with mouthwash. I can attest to the last one because it seemed that forever ago, mouthwash was so intensely biting towards my gums that it was better to just overcompensate with more brushing.
Third on the list, the warning signs can show with teeth being more overly sensitive than normal. This can be caused because enamel is deteriorating on a certain tooth. And we all know that feeling when extremely hot or cold water hits that spot...it's immense, throbbing pain that no one should have to feel. That, in and of itself, should be a red flag that a trip to the dentist should be in order.
Fourth on the mark usually comes from your gums. If your gums are redder than usual and become dry quicker, it could be a sign of early gingivitis. Another problem that stems from the gums is bleeding. It's usually coming from within the tiny gaps of your teeth and sometimes may not be noticeable until you've brushed. Whenever your toothpaste spittle looks a dark pink, that's not a good sign.
And sure, most of us stay ahead of the curve on visits to the dentist. But for everyone else, (myself included) the dentist office should probably become more of a priority than usual.
That's why I will run down a list of problems that can arise when anyone forgets to visit the dentist on a regular occasion. The following list definitely applies to people who love their sugary foods, smoke on a regular basis, or drink coffee like water's gone extinct.
First off, ignoring biannual trips to the dentist can backfire with the most glaring sign: discoloration of your teeth. When those pearly whites start to get darker, you'll take notice and decide to maybe brush twice-a-day instead of once. But sometimes if you don't change your habits of what you eat or drink, or compensate for adding more sugars and stain-causing foods, your teeth will fade.
Secondly, you may never know the proper routines of how to take care of your teeth if you haven't been to a dentist for professional tips and advice. This means that even though you may be brushing your teeth, you aren't flossing once-a-day along with it. Or you may brush three times-a-day and not finish with mouthwash. I can attest to the last one because it seemed that forever ago, mouthwash was so intensely biting towards my gums that it was better to just overcompensate with more brushing.
Third on the list, the warning signs can show with teeth being more overly sensitive than normal. This can be caused because enamel is deteriorating on a certain tooth. And we all know that feeling when extremely hot or cold water hits that spot...it's immense, throbbing pain that no one should have to feel. That, in and of itself, should be a red flag that a trip to the dentist should be in order.
Fourth on the mark usually comes from your gums. If your gums are redder than usual and become dry quicker, it could be a sign of early gingivitis. Another problem that stems from the gums is bleeding. It's usually coming from within the tiny gaps of your teeth and sometimes may not be noticeable until you've brushed. Whenever your toothpaste spittle looks a dark pink, that's not a good sign.
And sure, most of us stay ahead of the curve on visits to the dentist. But for everyone else, (myself included) the dentist office should probably become more of a priority than usual.
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