Dodging the Dentist: How Skipping Visits Impacts Your Smile

When you take a look at your busy schedule, you may realize that you don’t have as much time as you want for yourself. You may start to rearrange things based on importance to have some breathing room, but one appointment you shouldn’t postpone is your dental cleanings and checkups. These are crucial for a stronger smile, so here’s what can happen if you skip these visits.

You May Be More Prone to Oral Health Issues

Brushing and flossing help you remove bacteria from your smile. These are part of your oral hygiene routine, but there’s still another part you need to do. That is going to your dentist. No matter how diligent you are, you and your toothbrush may struggle to reach certain areas in your mouth.

Over time, these spots can have a buildup of plaque that can harden. When this happens, no amount of brushing or flossing can get rid of them. Thankfully, this doesn’t mean you’ll have them forever, as your dentist has state-of-the-art instruments that were made to remove them efficiently and quickly.

If you don’t get rid of this hardened plaque or tartar, then you increase your risk of oral health issues. Bacteria will be able to attack your teeth and gums, causing cavities or gum disease. Both these conditions may start minor, but they can’t heal on their own. When left untreated, serious complications like tooth loss or an infection may happen.

You Won’t Get an Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer may be worrying to think about, but it’s important to address it nonetheless. It can develop in anyone, but certain people may be at a higher risk of it due to habits such as using tobacco. Similar to other dental problems, its symptoms may be minor and easy to ignore, but they can progress until they’re severe.

However, your dentist is here to help you out. By seeing them twice a year, they can do a screening and look for worrying signs in your mouth. If they do spot anything, then they can give you prompt treatment, giving you a greater chance of a successful recovery when it’s caught early.

While you may be tempted to skip your dental checkup and cleaning, it’s crucial you don’t. You’ll be able to avoid oral health issues that will take up more time to fix later on. Instead, sit back and relax while your dentist does all the work to give you a stronger smile you shouldn’t worry about.

About the Practice

At Arbor Dental Care, you benefit from the skilled leadership of Dr. Frank Marchese and Dr. Jeanelle Marchese. We are here to help the Lisle community get the best oral care they deserve with preventive services. By being proactive, we can help reduce your risk of dental problems. If one does arise, then we can give you the prompt treatment you need right away. If you are due for your next semi-annual visit, schedule an appointment or call our office at (630) 969-2310.