What Happens if I Skip Routine Dental Cleanings and Exams?

Skipping routine dental cleanings and exams may seem harmless in the short term, but the long-term consequences aren’t so harmless.

Take a moment as Dr. Ed Trizzino and the team at Smiles of Atlanta highlight what happens if you skip your routine dental cleaning, and how we can help you get the dental care you need when you need it.

Five negative effects of skipping your dental exam

If you skip your routine dental cleaning and exam, you put yourself at a higher risk for the following situations:

Increased risk of dental issues

Regular dental cleanings and exams allow our team to remove plaque and tartar buildup, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease if left untreated. Skipping these cleanings allows plaque to accumulate, which in turn, increases your risk of cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease.

Small issues can escalate into bigger problems

Without regular check-ups, minor dental issues can escalate into more serious problems, even dental emergencies, over time. What may have started as a small cavity or mild gum inflammation can develop into severe decay, infection, or even tooth loss without prompt intervention.

Note: If you need to have a cavity treated, know that we offer mercury-free, tooth-colored composite fillings.

Any hidden issues may stay hidden

Some dental issues may not cause noticeable symptoms in their early stages. This includes tiny cavities, but it can also include more serious conditions like oral cancer.

Routine dental exams allow Dr. Trizzino to detect and address potential problems before they worsen. It’s why we look for even the smallest of cavities, and why we perform oral cancer screenings.

In other words, your dental exam and cleaning can potentially save you from pain, discomfort, and costly treatments down the line when hidden issues come to light.

Your overall health can be compromised

Poor oral health has been linked to various systemic health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. 

For example, people with gum disease may be at three times the risk of having a heart attack. Why? Neglecting dental cleanings and exams can contribute to a higher risk of gum disease, and if oral bacteria then builds up and enters your bloodstream, it can affect other parts of your body.

Poor oral health and the resulting edentulism (toothlessness) is also linked to food avoidance and poor nutrition. 

Skipping your routine cleaning is even more problematic if you’re pregnant. Poor oral hygiene, and more particularly gum disease, has been linked to an increased risk of premature labor. 

As a holistic provider, Dr. Trizzino knows firsthand how your mouth affects everything from your sleep quality to your mental wellness. That’s why we offer nutritional guidance, airway obstruction diagnosis, and amalgam removal as part of our comprehensive services.

You may experience higher financial costs 

While it may seem like skipping dental appointments saves money in the short term, the opposite is often true in the long run. Treating advanced dental problems can be significantly more expensive than preventive care.

Why you might skip your appointment

A financial concern isn’t the only reason why people might be tempted to skip their routine dental exam. Other common factors are:

• Dental phobia
• Busy schedules 
• Not understanding why prophylactic cleanings are so important
• Not wanting to drive to different dentists for different family members

Dr. Trizzino and the Smiles of Atlanta team want to remove any obstacles that keep you from the care you need. 

That’s why we offer several convenient ways to pay for services, including Care Credit for 90-day interest-free payments for larger treatments. We also offer 10% off for military, firefighters, and police.

Additionally, because we’re a family dental practice, everyone in your family can benefit from our care. No need to drive from doctor to doctor — we provide everything your family needs under one roof. That can reduce a lot of driving time and free up your busy schedule.

If you’re nervous or unsure what to expect, let us know! We’re more than happy to explain each part of your routine exam. Just knowing what to expect can ease some jitters. We can also review all options, such as a local anesthetic, to keep you comfortable if you need any procedures.

Put your oral health first today

Scheduling your routine dental cleaning may seem like “just another task” on your to-do list, but this form of self-care puts not just your oral health but your overall health first.

Arrange your next routine cleaning by calling our Atlanta, Georgia, office at 770-407-8459. Or you can simply click here to book online.