Did you know that 10% of Canadian adults live with dental pain? Untreated cavities are a common culprit, leading to abscesses, infection, and tooth loss. If you or your child are undergoing orthodontic treatment, you may be at higher risk of developing them.
Regular dental check-ups are important at every stage of life, but particularly so for anyone wearing braces or an orthodontic appliance. To illustrate that point, here are only a few reasons not to skip your next dental appointment.
Deep Cleaning Is Always Important
No matter what, you should visit your dentist for a check-up and cleaning every six months. While daily brushing and flossing are essential to good dental health, it isn't always enough to keep your teeth in prime condition.
Some people struggle to clean those hard-to-reach nooks and crannies, for example. Especially if they have orthodontic appliances that can create pockets for germs to hide in.
Left alone, these pockets can become hotspots for tooth decay. Getting dental cleanings with braces makes sure all those trouble areas get the proper attention.
Diets rich in acidic foods are another cause for concern. Common staples like dairy, starchy grains, fruit, and wine can expose our teeth to damaging amounts of acids. Regular deep cleanings help prevent acid damage and preserve tooth enamel.
Regular Dental Check-Ups Help Prevent Serious Issues
If you have braces or another kind of orthodontic appliance, you might not think you need regular check-ups. After all, you're already checking in with your orthodontist at least once a month, if not more often. Surely if there's a problem, your orthodontist would catch it during one of those routine appointments.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Dentistry and orthodontics are different disciplines. While your orthodontists may have a general understanding of oral healthcare, their expertise isn't in diagnosing or treating dental problems.
Check-ups aren't limited to catching cavities, either.
For example, more than 5,000 Canadians are diagnosed with oral cancer every year. As with any cancer, early diagnosis is the best way to ensure a positive outcome. And regular dental check-ups are the most common way to catch oral cancer in its early stages.
Your Dentist Will Advise You on Daily Oral Care
Getting regular dental check-ups with braces is a great opportunity to learn more about how to care for your teeth while undergoing your orthodontic treatment.
Your orthodontist should have given you some basic pointers on how to brush with braces. However, getting advice from a dedicated dentist can help you to better care for your teeth.
Many patients struggle with how to floss with braces, for example. Not only will your dentist do a deep-flossing for you at your appointment, but they can also recommend techniques or specialized tools to help make the process easier and more effective.
Check-Ups Are Key to Caring for Your Teeth With Braces
Regular dental check-ups should be a part of everyone's oral healthcare strategy. Your dentist can deep-clean your teeth in ways you can't at home, catch potential issues before they become big problems, and advise you on how best to care for your teeth. All of these are especially important if you wear braces.
If you've fallen behind on your check-ups, then don't delay any longer. Contact Forest Lawn Dental Centre to schedule an appointment today.