Many people realize how important it is to see their primary physician regularly to maintain a healthy life. However, far too many people write off going to the dentist as an optional decision and go years without seeing one. What's the worst that could happen if you don't go to the dentist?
Bad Breath
It might not seem so bad to have bad breath, also known as halitosis, but it will affect your life more than you realize. It's not the kind of bad breath you get when you eat something with a strong odor, as you can't simply brush your teeth to get rid of it. Every time you talk to someone at a close distance, you will worry and be self-conscious about the foul smell coming from your mouth.
An Unattractive Smile
Another side effect of never going to the dentist that will impact your confidence is an unattractive smile. The longer you go without seeing a dentist, the worse it will become. Your teeth may become stained, crooked, etc., and you could avoid those problems entirely if you had only kept up with your dental visits.
Intense Pain
One occurrence that leads many people to start going to the dentist again after many years of avoiding it is when they experience intense oral pain. Regular checkups help dentists find problems in your mouth that can become quite painful if left unchecked. Some common causes of oral pain are tooth decay, gum disease, and broken fillings—all of which a dentist could treat early to lessen your suffering.
Teeth Can Rot and Fall Out
If you go too long without dental cleanings and checkups, your teeth will eventually rot to the point that they fall out. When you have missing teeth, it can be hard to speak correctly, and you may become too embarrassed to let anyone see your mouth. A dentist would have been able to treat your cavities early on, so the problem didn't progress.
Your Face Can Change
When you lose teeth and don't get them replaced with dental implants, your jaw begins to deteriorate. Eventually, it changes the entire appearance of your face. If you want to keep your teeth for as long as possible and prevent the structure of your face from changing, you should visit a dentist soon and regularly.
Undiagnosed Oral Cancer
Perhaps the most serious reason to stop skipping dental visits is that dentists are usually the ones to discover cases of oral cancer. Like most cancers, the earlier you detect oral cancer, the better your chance of beating it. If you don't go to the dentist, you may go too long without discovering it.
For more information, set up an appointment with a dentist today.
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