But I don’t have any pain….How could I have a dental problem?

Many patients feel that they don’t need to see their dentists on a regular basis if they’re not experiencing any troubling symptoms. Not all dental problems cause pain, especially in their earliest phases, and the best dentist can spot signs of trouble before an issue even reaches the point at which it causes discomfort.

That’s why it’s so important to visit the dentist every six months. For example, a small cavity may not cause you any pain, but if a dentist catches that decay in its earliest stages, the treatment won’t be terribly invasive either.

However, if you delay a visit to the dental office, that decay can progress and cause significant damage to the tooth. The treatment to correct the problem may involve extensive restorations or the tooth may not even be salvageable and may need to be extracted and replaced.

Gum disease is another serious issue that is often prevented through routine dental care. This condition also may not necessarily cause discomfort in its earliest stages and can be treated relatively easily when detected early.

When your dentist examines your teeth and gums every six months, it will be easier to spot a minor problem that could develop into a major challenge without prompt attention. You’ll be protecting your oral health and preserving your smile’s appearance in a short appointment twice a year. It’s a worthwhile investment of your time.

Routine checkups also give your dentist an opportunity to make sure that you are following good oral hygiene habits at home. That routine goes a long way toward improving oral health outcomes and reducing your chances of developing an oral disease.

Patients who wait until they feel pain to pursue dental care are making a mistake that can have severe consequences for their oral health. If it’s been more than six months since your last dental exam, get on track with routine dental appointments by scheduling a check-up and cleaning today.