What if You Haven’t Been to the Dentist for Several Years?
Life is busy and we all have a long list of priorities to take care of, so it’s not hard to imagine that any number of things can get in the way of your regular dental hygiene routine, checkups and cleanings with Dr. Jonathan Heizer. You might just wake up one day and realize that you haven’t been to the dentist in years! That’s why we want to tell all our Granbury patients about the gentle dental care we provide and why regular visits to Lakeview Dental are so important.
What happens over many years of dental neglect? Do your teeth turn black and fall out of your head? What if you are really good about flossing and brushing, but don’t go to the dentist? What are the consequences of putting your dental health on the back burner?
The most important thing to remember is that your dental health is in your hands. Dr. Heizer wants all the folks in Granbury to enjoy healthy mouths and proud smiles, but only you have the power to make it happen for your family. Going a couple months longer than you should between appointments won’t ruin your smile, but waiting years to get cleanings and treatment can have major effects on your dental health.
Here’s why:
Dental Hygiene, Tooth Decay, and Gum Disease
There’s a good reason Dr. Heizer encourages Granbury patients to stay on top of their dental hygiene. Flossing and brushing every morning and night helps keep plaque from causing tooth decay, gum disease, and the painful, expensive complications that follow. Giving up on your toothbrush is certain to take a major toll on your dental health, and after a few years’ time, it will likely mean the loss of one or more teeth.
On the other hand, if you brush and floss regularly and don’t have any toothaches it is easy to assume that your teeth are fine. However, that may not be the case, and only Dr. Heizer can tell. Gum disease, one of the leading causes of tooth loss, can develop without any symptoms. Buildups of plaque cause pockets of bacteria to form between teeth and gums, which can expose sensitive roots, weaken the supporting bone, and result in tooth loss. Even cavities may form without causing any pain. It takes an experienced dental professional with the right tools to diagnose these conditions. The earlier we find them, the easier they are to treat.
Dental Hygiene is Important for People of all Ages
Even though your child will lose their first set of teeth, dental problems that occur early in life can have lasting effects on their entire mouth. The best way to prevent any irreparable damage is to teach them the importance of dental hygiene and secure their smile for life. They will certainly thank you for it!
What about gentle dental care for the elderly? Several years of dental neglect for Granbury folks later in life is guaranteed to compromise dental health and could likely result in tooth loss. Seniors can help protect themselves from the cost of restorative dental treatments (e.g. implants, bridges, and dentures) with a good oral hygiene routine and regular visits to Lakeview Dental.
Treatment- How Dr. Jonathan Heizer Can Help You
If you, or a member or your, family haven’t been friendly with your toothbrush, don’t despair. There is always something we can do for you, but the longer you wait, the more difficult, expensive, and painful treatment becomes. That is why preventative care is the best care. Taking care of your teeth is the only way to protect yourself from the complications of dental neglect so floss and brush twice a day, and make sure to see Lakeview Dental for your regular checkups and cleanings!
Sources
http://www.fountainviewsmiles.com/dental-neglect-the-root-of-most-dental-problems.html
http://www.adoptamini.com/the-dangers-of-dental-neglect/
http://www.nowpublic.com/health/seattle-man-s-throat-cut-case-dental-neglect-0
