{"id":206,"date":"2020-01-03T14:29:00","date_gmt":"2020-01-03T14:29:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.alamospringsdental.com\/blog\/?p=206"},"modified":"2020-02-03T14:36:08","modified_gmt":"2020-02-03T14:36:08","slug":"why-you-should-start-the-year-off-right-with-dental-checkups-and-screenings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.alamospringsdental.com\/blog\/why-you-should-start-the-year-off-right-with-dental-checkups-and-screenings\/","title":{"rendered":"Why You Should Start the Year Off Right with Dental Checkups and Screenings"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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If you\u2019re the kind of person who likes to start fresh\neach year, complete with a list of resolutions, why not start the\nyear off right with dental checkups and screenings<\/a>? Because the mouth and\nbody are closely interconnected, keeping your teeth, gums, and overall oral\nhealth in optimal condition is vital to prevent additional health problems in\nthe future. If you\u2019re ready to take charge and commit to improving your smile\nand well-being, read on to learn why regular checkups and screenings are so\nimportant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Why are Regular Checkups Beneficial?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Everyone who visits a dentist knows there are a checkup and\ncleaning involved. After the dental hygienist removes any harmful plaque and\ntartar from your gums, they thoroughly clean your teeth to give you a nice,\npolished finish. All of this is done before your dentist stops by and examines\nyour smile. While both parts of your visit are equally as important, the time\nyour dental professional spends reviewing your oral cavity is absolutely\nnecessary. Here\u2019s why:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the checkup portion of your appointment, your dentist\nwill check for any abnormalities or problem areas of your smile. Combining what\nis shown on your digital x-rays with what can be seen on the surface during a\nvisual examination, should they find something that is cause for concern,\nimmediate action will be taken to formulate a treatment plan. This is crucial\nto catching and stopping various dental problems before they occur or worsen\n(i.e. tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why are Oral Cancer Screenings Important?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As part of your\ndental checkup, your dentist will perform an oral cancer screening. You may be\nentirely unaware that it is happening because it is quick and painless, but it\nis also incredibly important. The reason is that thousands of people in the\nUnited States are diagnosed with oral cancer each year, and many will die\nbecause of its progressive attack on the body. This disease takes more lives\nthan those with cervical cancer, Hodgkin\u2019s lymphoma, or even endocrine system\ncancers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why is it so deadly?\nThe reason so many people die from oral cancer is that it is detected and\ndiagnosed at a later stage, which is why oral cancer screenings are a crucial\npart of any dental checkup. Early detection is key to treating and curing oral\ncancer, and as your ally, your dentist can spot various signs and symptoms that\nare often associated with the disease, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n