Do you remember the last time you visited your dentist? If not, it’s probably time to make an appointment. Without routine dental care, you risk long-term damage to your smile that can be both painful and expensive to correct. Checkups with a qualified dentist can prevent these problems and keep your teeth healthy. James Julien, D.D.S., has been providing quality dental services to residents of Kenai, AK, for over 20 years and shares a few issues you can avoid under their routine care.

Why You Should See Your Dentist Regularly

1. Plaque & Tartar Build-Up

Plaque accumulates on your teeth when you consume foods and beverages. While brushing and flossing will remove a majority of the buildup, what’s missed can harden into tartar and cause cavities. Visit your dentist to remove plaque and get feedback on how well you’re cleaning at home.

2. Gum Disease

Poor dental hygiene can lead to gingivitis. Once tartar buildup forms around the gum-line, the gums can become infected and separate from the tooth. Left untreated, this painful condition morphs to full-blown gum disease, which can involve bleeding, swelling, and tooth loss. Your dentist will remove the tartar and check for early warning signs. 

3. Monitoring Bad Habits

Some dental patients don’t understand the damage they cause by biting their nails, chewing on pens, or clenching their teeth at night. Your dentist can assess problems caused by these bad habits and offer solutions, such as dental crowns for cracked teeth or a night guard for grinding. 

4. Routine X-Rays 

Not all dental issues are visible. Typically, your dentist will take x-rays once a year to identify new wisdom teeth, impacted teeth, or jaw bone decay. Early detection can be crucial in obtaining appropriate dental care for diseases that cause progressive damage.

5. Cancer Screenings

Using any form of tobacco greatly increases your risk of oral cancers. These diseases can be fatal, so early detection is crucial. Your dentist is trained to perform thorough mouth and throat screenings to catch early signs. Even non-smokers benefit from regular checkups as oral cancers have other causes as well. 

Like daily exercise and annual physicals, seeing your dentist on a regular basis should be a part of your healthcare routine. Many dental problems can be avoided with either routine care or early detection, so don’t hesitate to make your next appointment. If you need a new family dentist, look no further than James Julien, D.D.S. Give the friendly staff a call at (907) 283-4857 to make an appointment or contact them online for more information.