Life gets busy, and it’s tempting to put off responsibilities like dental cleaning when your teeth feel fine. But skipping one or two dental cleanings and checkups can lead to more than just stains. In fact, you could be setting yourself up for dental problems that are harder (and more expensive) to fix! Continue reading to see what could happen to your smile if you make skipping the dentist a habit.
Plaque and Tartar Don’t Take a Break
Brushing and flossing are great, but they can’t remove all the plaque that builds up on your teeth. Over time, that plaque hardens into tartar, which is a rough, yellowish deposit that only your dentist or hygienist can remove.
Once tartar sets in, it can irritate your gums and make you more prone to cavities. Getting rid of it is the only way to prevent the buildup and its consequences from getting worse.
Gum Disease Can Sneak Up on You
The early stage of gum disease, gingivitis, often has mild or no symptoms. Without regular dental cleanings, plaque and tartar sit along your gumline, causing inflammation. Left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can lead to bone deterioration and even tooth loss!
Stains Build Up Faster
Coffee, tea, wine, processed foods full of artificial dyes, and even berries can stain your teeth over time. Cleanings help remove surface stains, keeping your smile brighter. Skip them, and those stains have more time to settle in, making them harder to polish away later.
You Might Miss Early Warning Signs
Dental checkups and cleanings aren’t just about freshening up your smile. They’re also a chance for your dentist to check for early signs of trouble, including cavities, cracked teeth, and even oral cancer. When you skip an appointment, small problems can grow into big ones before you realize they’re there.
Think of dental cleanings as preventive maintenance for your mouth. A short visit twice a year can save you from the pain, cost, and stress of major dental work later. If it’s been a while since your last cleaning, there’s no better time to get back on track. So, call your dentist today and schedule your next visit.
About the Author
Dr. Robert Saphner is dedicated to helping patients maintain healthy, confident smiles through regular preventive care. He graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry and has completed over 500 hours of continuing education. Today, he holds Fellowship status in the Academy of General Dentistry, a feat only accomplished by a small fraction of dentists in North America. Call (608) 668-6415 to schedule an appointment at All Smiles Implants and Family Dental or visit our website to explore other services.