What happens if I don’t go to the dentist?

By Dr. Azim Malik

Specialist Periodontist and Implant Surgeon

IMPORTANT: It’s essential to see your dentist and hygienist regularly to maintain the best oral health.

WHAT IF SOMEONE NEVER GOES TO THE DENTIST?

Some people are more able to “get away with” not going to the dentist than others.

I didn't go to a dentist until I was 14 years old.

I never had any problems.

Can you live without going to the dentist?

My dentist looked at all my teeth and said: “No problems. You don’t need anything.”

So those people exist.

Those are the people who are less susceptible to gum disease, definitely.

Maybe their brushing from day one has been excellent.

Maybe they just got lucky, they were educated on how to brush and they never had tooth or gum disease for that reason.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON’T SEE THE HYGIENIST?

Everyone needs to see the hygienist at least every six months.

So even the best of brushers will need to see a hygienist at least every six months.

So they might not have disease but their teeth aren't going to be entirely free of calculus and other things.

So that's one thing.

“It’s just how you’re made”

If you're not susceptible to disease, you're not susceptible to disease.

I’ll give you a typical example.

In my family, we have high cholesterol.

My whole family is on statins and, if I have a chocolate cake, it will have a huge impact on my arteries.

But I know a friend – the same age as me – whose metabolism is extremely high.

And he can chomp on doner kebab and greasy food all day long and it will not have the same effect.

It's just how you're made.

How bad is it to skip the dentist?

Some people get lucky with how good they are at cleaning.

Others also get lucky with diet.

They might not be the type to like sugary foods and they may never get tooth decay.

It’s important to remember that, in order to get tooth decay, you need three things.

You need a tooth for one.

You need bacteria – two.

And also you need sugar.

If any one of these things is not present, you won't get tooth decay.

So maybe someone’s eating sugar but their brushing is really good.

Or maybe someone’s brushing isn't that good but they're not actually having much sugar so their teeth don’t decay.

Some people get away with it.

Contact us now to make an appointment or to find out more.