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Pain is often the last sign that something is wrong with your teeth—not the first. After the pandemic, Dr. Yuan Chia-hung, clinical assistant professor at the New York University College of Dentistry, noticed a wave of patients returning only when their teeth were loose or unbearably painful. “Dental problems grow silently,” he said on NTDTV’s “Health 1+1” program. “By the time it hurts, the damage is usually advanced.”
Cavities that look “normal,” tartar you can’t see, and gum disease that causes no pain can all quietly progress until the jawbone itself begins to shrink. That is why, Yuan noted, regular dental cleanings are not cosmetic—they are essential to protecting your teeth, bones, and even your heart health.
Regular Checkups Are Your First Line of Defense
Dental issues rarely announce themselves early. Cracks, hidden cavities, and tartar buildup often develop with no obvious symptoms. Even tooth color can be misleading—many early cavities appear white and blend in with healthy enamel.
