Everyone has been taught the importance of visiting their local Dentist in Puyallup WA at least once a year. However, many people choose to forgo these yearly exams, whether due to financial reasons, time restrictions or fear. There are many reasons why it’s dangerous to skip these preventative exams.
You Only Get One Set of Adult Teeth
The fear of losing teeth is very real. In fact, losing one’s teeth is one of the most commonly reported recurring nightmares. However, if you don’t seek out regular dental care, you’re only increasing the odds of losing an adult tooth at some point in your life. It’s best to treat cavities and gum disease in the early stages.
Infections in Your Mouth Can Turn Deadly
Your teeth are in very close proximity to your brain. Furthermore, infections in the mouth can quickly enter the bloodstream, which can wreak havoc in the rest of your body. Most mouth infections, however, can be treated both quickly and easily if they’re caught in time.
If dangerous bacteria isn’t killed while it’s still isolated to a single location, it may eventually lead to sepsis. This is a very dangerous condition. In fact, it’s estimated that one in three people with sepsis die. Many who survive are left with lifelong complications. Imagine being able to avoid this with a simple trip to a Dentist in Puyallup WA.
Oral Cancer Is Easily Treated in the Early Stages
Few people realize that the dentist is looking for signs of oral cancer during your yearly exams. While this cancer is not as common as other varieties, it can still grow and spread quickly. If your dentist suspects oral cancer, they will refer you to an oncologist for evaluation.
Oral cancer is most common in tobacco users, but many people who’ve never touched tobacco are still diagnosed each year. If the cancer is found in the early stages, it’s easier to treat. Skipping an annual dental exam may mean the different between being diagnosed with stage 1 or stage 4 oral cancer.
No matter how inconvenient it may seem to visit the dentist every year, it’s still better than suffering some of the dire consequences of not seeing one. Oral health is important, so be sure to follow-through with your annual checkups.
