Why Do You Need To Visit Your Dentist in December?

Christmas is a time of celebration. But all that holiday cheer can lead to overindulgence. From decadent treats to sugary drinks, it’s easy to overdo it.

Missing & Broken Teeth

The winter season can be brutal on your teeth, which is why it’s so important to see your dentist if you experience any tooth pain during this time. That’s because your primary concern should be to avoid further trauma to your teeth while you are still in the dentist’s chair. While cavities are a common problem during this time of year, there are other things to consider, such as broken or missing teeth. Damaged teeth can greatly impact your oral health and overall health, so it’s important that you take the necessary steps to repair your smile.

At our office, we offer a wide range of restorative treatments, including dental implants, dental crowns, bridges, and more. In many cases, our dentists use both cosmetic and functional restorations to get patients the results they want. For example, if you have a chipped front tooth that impacts your confidence, we can use a dental crown to repair the damaged tooth while also improving the overall look of your smile. If you damage a tooth that is beyond repair, we can perform a tooth extraction to remove the damaged tooth before restoring your smile with a dental implant.

Frequent Cavities

It’s common to have cavities around this time of year due to all of the sugary and starchy foods we tend to have during the holidays. A sticky or sweet substance that remains in the mouth is at risk of collecting bacteria, which can cause infection of the tooth structure. This is why it’s important to make sure you’re visiting your dentist at least twice a year for cleanings and exams to help prevent tooth decay.

Sensitive Teeth

Most people only think about visiting their dentist when they have pain, but did you know that you can actually prevent a lot of pain from coming to you in the first place? According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, people with sensitive teeth are three times more likely to have cavities than those without sensitivity. This is because tooth enamel is worn down over time by acidic foods and beverages like coffee and soda, and even natural acids found in citrus fruits. Too many of these habits cause the tooth’s enamel to break down and expose the dentin layer underneath, causing pain and discomfort. Luckily, your dentist can help you avoid that discomfort with regular cleanings and checkups.

Visiting the dentist regularly is the best way to prevent sensitive teeth because it gives your dentist a chance to clean your teeth thoroughly enough to remove all traces of plaque and food debris that can build up and cause irritation. Over time, this built-up bacteria can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, both of which can cause sensitivity or pain when exposed to hot or cold foods and drinks. If caught early, these problems can be reversed before they have a chance to cause any noticeable symptoms.

Oral Cancer Screenings

Seeing your dentist in December is important for a number of reasons, and oral cancer screenings are an important component of your visit. Early detection of any abnormalities is crucial when it comes to treating issues before they become more serious. And given that we are now in the last month of 2022, now is a great time to schedule that appointment you’ve been putting off!

Dentists use oral examinations to look for any potential signs of oral cancer or precancerous conditions and inflammation of the gums, lips, tongue, face, throat, and cheeks. During the exam, your dentist will check your gums for any signs of inflammation, like redness, swelling, or bleeding. They will also check your neck tissues for any lumps or masses that could be cancerous.

If you are looking for more tips for maintaining good oral health, schedule a consultation with Cascade Family Dental. We are located at 925 Corporate Center Pkwy., Suite-G, Santa Rosa, CA 95407. Contact us at (707) 635-6565 or visit our website to book an appointment.