Thinking ‘it Doesn’t Hurt, so I’m Fine’ is Dangerous! 3 Serious Risks of Postponing Regular Dental Check-ups
Do you only visit the dentist when you experience tooth pain?
However, the absence of subjective symptoms such as pain or discomfort does not guarantee oral health. On the contrary, it is crucial to detect diseases that progress silently without symptoms early through regular check-ups.
In this article, we will explain three significant risks that may arise if you inadvertently postpone your dental check-ups.
[Risk 1] ‘Invisible Cavities’ that Progress Unnoticed
In the early stages, when tooth enamel has just begun to dissolve, cavities rarely cause pain. However, if left untreated, the cavity will silently progress into the tooth’s interior, and you will only experience pain when it reaches the nerve. By then, extensive treatment is often required.
During regular check-ups, professional cleaning removes plaque and tartar that cause cavities. Furthermore, X-rays can be taken as needed to detect hidden cavities early, such as those between teeth or beneath fillings, which are invisible to the naked eye.
[Risk 2] ‘Periodontal Disease’ that Threatens Overall Health
Periodontal disease is recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as ‘the most widespread disease in the world.’ However, since it presents with almost no subjective symptoms in its early stages, it is also known as a ‘Silent Disease.’
What is alarming is that its impact is not limited to the oral cavity. Recent research has revealed that when periodontal bacteria and their toxins enter the bloodstream through the gum’s blood vessels, they circulate throughout the body, increasing the risk of exacerbating diabetes, arteriosclerosis, myocardial infarction, cerebral infarction, and even dementia. Oral health serves as the gateway to protecting your overall systemic health.
[Risk 3] ‘Snowballing Treatment Costs and Time’
As both cavities and periodontal disease progress, treatments become more complex, and the number of required dental visits increases.
Statistics from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare indicate a significant increase in treatment costs between very early-stage cavities (C1) and severe cavities (C4) that have reached the nerve. Treatment that could have cost only a few thousand yen can often escalate to hundreds of thousands of yen for advanced procedures to save the tooth, or for implants and bridges after extraction.
Repeatedly taking time off work for treatment or sacrificing personal time represents a time cost that is a significant and undeniable burden.
[Image Suggestion: Simple graph illustrating how treatment costs increase with the progression of the condition]
An Investment in your Future Self: Self-Care You Can Start Today
Do you now understand the importance of regular dental check-ups? To prevent future health issues, we would like to introduce habits you can start adopting today.
- Add a reminder for your check-up appointment every 3-4 months to your smartphone calendar.
- Use toothpaste containing a high concentration of fluoride (1450ppmF) for effective cavity prevention.
- Incorporate dental floss or interdental brushes into your brushing routine before bed.
Early detection and treatment not only protect your teeth but also your valuable time and money. An oral health check is the best gift you can give your future self. Even if you experience no symptoms, please do not hesitate to consult us.
