{"id":426,"date":"2018-05-25T15:26:34","date_gmt":"2018-05-25T15:26:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.longfamilydental.com\/blog\/?p=426"},"modified":"2025-02-20T14:33:45","modified_gmt":"2025-02-20T14:33:45","slug":"dentist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.longfamilydental.com\/blog\/2018\/05\/25\/dentist\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Reasons to Visit Your Dentist Regularly"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"dental<\/a>You only get one body, so it is important to take care of it. That\u2019s why you do your best to eat lots of veggies, get enough exercise, and visit your physician every year for a checkup. But there might be an aspect of your health that you don\u2019t look after the way you should \u2014 your oral health. Here are six big reasons why you shouldn\u2019t neglect regular visits to your dentist<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Oral Cancer<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s recommended that adults get screened for oral cancer at least once a year. Most dentists include a screening as part of a regular checkup. With a quick and painless tactile and visual examination, they can look for any signs of trouble, such as strange sores, patches of discoloration, swelling, and other potential symptoms of oral cancer. If they notice any suspicious spots, they\u2019ll recommend that you visit your physician for further testing.<\/p>\n

Head, Neck, and Lymph Node Checks<\/h2>\n

Oral cancer isn\u2019t the only major health concern that presents symptoms around the mouth. A dentist may notice swollen lymph nodes just below your jaw. This is a subtle sign of many serious diseases, such as different types of cancer and infections. If your dental care provider notices that there may be a problem, you can visit your medical doctor to discover the cause behind the swollen lymph nodes.<\/p>\n

Teeth Problems<\/h2>\n

Plaque and tartar, which develop when bacteria in the mouth interact with sugar, can quickly lead to cavities. If a cavity goes untreated for long enough, it may cause severe pain and lead to the need for major dental work \u2014 it could even result in tooth loss. Regular checkups let your dentist identify tooth decay well before it causes you significant problems.<\/p>\n

Gum Disease<\/h2>\n

Gum disease is extremely common, and many people may not even be aware that they have it. If it isn\u2019t well-managed via good habits and professional dental help, it can wreak havoc on your oral and overall health. Just a few of the potential consequences include:<\/p>\n