It's easy to put off dental visits when dealing with a busy lifestyle. Some people also believe that a lack of symptoms indicates good oral health. In fact, you must visit your dentist at least twice per year for exams, cleanings, and other assessments. Here are a few reasons why visiting a local dental office is so crucial to your overall health.  

Why You Must Undergo Regular Oral Exams

1. Identify Tooth Decay Early

Some forms of tooth decay cause pain and other issues. However, cavities can also hide between teeth and other out-of-the-way areas and not cause symptoms in the earliest stages. In this case, the best way to locate a cavity is through diagnostic imaging, such as an X-ray. Your dental care team can locate even minor cavities and take the necessary steps to prevent them from getting worse.  

2.  Reduce the Effects of Gum Disease

Gum disease causes symptoms like redness, swelling, and bleeding when brushing. In the earliest stages, damage to gum tissue can be reversed with the help of a dentist and dental hygienist. During the dental cleaning, your hygientist will use specialized instruments to remove plaque and calculus (tartar) from around the gumline (as well as the other surfaces of the teeth), where it's most likely to cause irritation. Keep in mind that once gum disease progresses to the stage referred to as periodontitis, the effects cannot be reversed - bone has already been lost and cannot be regained - hence the importance of early detection. 

3. Assess Your Overall Oral Health

Many dentists also perform oral cancer screenings during routine checkups. This is especially crucial for people with a family history or those with certain risk factors, such as tobacco and alcohol use. Like other types of cancer, oral cancers are most treatable when they're caught early. Your dental care team will use advanced diagnostic techniques/tools to assess your health and wellness.  They will share the information and recommendations for treatment with you so that you can make the best well-informed choices for your health.  

If it's been six months or longer since your last oral exam, contact the team at Comfort Center for Dentistry. Dr. Kendra Wren is a proud local and has a reputation among patients for kind, considerate care. Along with preventive exams and cleanings, they also provide restorative procedures like crowns, bridges, and dental implants, as well as cosmetic treatments. Patients in Kendall County and Comfort, TX, can call (830) 995-5047 to schedule a checkup today. You can also visit the website to learn more about their services.