3 Dangers of Skipping Your Routine Checkup

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It’s easy to overlook oral health as you go about your daily life. Yet if you skip your annual visit to your dentist in Huntsville, AL, there’s a lot at stake. At Gardner Family Dentistry, we recommend visiting our practice twice a year to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible. Here are three risks you take if you skip these visits.

Increased Risk of Cavities

At your bi-annual visit to the dentist in Huntsville, AL, we do more than just look at your teeth. We check for problems that can lead to tooth decay, such as tartar buildup or poor oral hygiene. We also take x-rays to check for early decay, and we professionally clean your teeth. All of this decreases your risk of having a cavity later.

Increased Risk of Cancer

Our oral health checkups also include cancer screenings. There are many ways oral cancer can present, and most people aren’t knowledgeable about how to check. We screen all of the soft tissue in your mouth, and will discuss any potential concerns with you. Waiting a year or two for these screenings gives cancer too much time to grow.

Increased Risk of Gum Disease

For adults, gum disease can lead to a myriad of problems. Not only does it increase your risk of cavities or pain in the mouth, but it can also lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Even our patients with the best home oral health can have problems under the gumline that they can’t reach. Regular professional cleanings reduce your risk while also giving us a chance to talk to you about home care if we notice problems.

Skipping your visit to the dentist in Huntsville, AL, is just to risky. If you’re due for an appointment, call Gardner Family Dentistry today to schedule.

Why You Shouldn’t Pull Your Own Loose Tooth

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In the long-ago past, a loose tooth was dealt with by a family member and a piece of string. Attach the tooth to the string and pull. Ouch. Besides the obvious discomfort, doing things the DIY way can cause all kinds of trouble. What seems like a simple fix can lead to pain, infection, and long-term dental complications. You need your Huntsville, AL dentist for a tooth extraction. Here’s why.

Why Teeth Become Loose

In adults, a loose tooth is almost always a warning sign. Gum disease is the most common cause, weakening the bone and tissues that hold the tooth in place. Trauma, untreated decay, or chronic grinding can also play a role. Unlike baby teeth, adult teeth aren’t meant to come out on their own, and forcing them loose doesn’t address the underlying issue causing the movement.

The Risks of Pulling It Yourself

Pulling a tooth at home can cause significant damage to the surrounding gums and bone. It often leads to uncontrolled bleeding, especially if infection or inflammation is already present. There’s also a real risk of leaving behind root fragments, which can become infected and painful. Without proper sterilization, bacteria can easily enter the area, increasing the chance of serious infection.

What a Dentist Can Do Instead

A dentist can determine why the tooth is loose and whether it can be saved. In many cases, treatment like deep cleaning, splinting, or addressing bite issues can stabilize the tooth. If removal is necessary, it can be done safely with proper anesthesia and care to protect the surrounding structures.

Attempting to pulling a tooth yourself exposes you to unnecessary risks, and frankly, a dentist might even be able to save the tooth so it doesn’t have to come out at all. If a tooth feels loose, the safest move is to schedule a visit with your Huntsville, AL family dentist and let a professional take care of the situation.