3 Reasons Not To Skip A Dental Checkup

Life gets busy. Sometimes it seems impossible to keep up with everything you need to do. At Stephen Ratcliff Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Arlington, we understand that. (Life gets busy for us, too!) But we encourage you to think twice before you cancel or postpone a dental checkup because you think it’s less important than the twenty other items on your to-do list.

Twice-yearly dental exams are essential for keeping your smile in great shape!

You might say: “But my teeth feel fine.”

Our answer? Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security. The fact is that no news isn’t necessarily good news. Dental troubles can be progressing without you being aware of it.

1. Your Gums May Be Receding. Gum recession doesn’t happen all at once. Gum tissue can move back almost imperceptibly until teeth and bone are in danger.
2. Decay May Be Lurking. When the acids in plaque start drilling into a tooth, we usually don’t feel it until it has passed through the enamel and dentin and hits the nerve. Ouch! By that time, there is a crater in the tooth. Regular cleanings remove plaque before it can do any damage.
3. Prevent Oral Cancer. About 50,000 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year. During your checkup we’ll screen for oral cancer. As with all types of cancer, early diagnosis is essential.

After your entire mouth has been examined, we will detail what is necessary moving forward. Whether that’s flossing more often or discussing major fixes such as braces, we will make certain that you get all the information you need to ensure your smile is bright and beautiful!

Scheduling twice-yearly exams with Stephen Ratcliff Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Arlington will ensure you avoid serious dental problems. We offer complete family dentistry. People from Mansfield and Grand Prairie also come to our practice for cosmetic dentistry. Schedule your next checkup with us today!