There are so many benefits to visiting your dentist every six months—many of which you likely have not considered! Not only will you receive a thorough teeth cleaning, but your dentist will be able to prevent diseases, detect any oral health issues, and keep your smile looking and feeling great. Here are just a few of the reasons why you should consider booking your next dental appointment.
1. Your dentist can detect hidden oral health issues.
To get a better look at your teeth, your dentist will need to take a few x-rays. By examining these radiographs, your dentist will be able to review the positioning of your teeth and roots, as well as detect tooth decay, bone loss, and even tumors. These images are a critical preventative measure to protect you from disease and illness.
2. They will evaluate your gums for signs of disease.
By examining the pockets of your gums as well as the color and texture, your dentist will be able to determine if you have gingivitis or gum disease. The sooner you catch this oral health issue, the better. Gum disease is a progressive illness and, while it may begin as a simple infection, it can lead to serious health issues if left untreated. Therefore, by visiting the dentist every six months, you can prevent any gum issues from taking hold.
3. Your dentist will provide an oral cancer screening.
Did you know that one person dies from oral cancer every hour in the United States? Unfortunately, there is not a lot of public awareness surrounding this issue. However, by visiting your dentist once every six months, you can ensure that you are cancer-free with regular screenings. Your dentist will be able to detect any symptoms of the illness by carefully examining your throat, tongue, gums, neck, lips, and face during your check-up.
4. He or she will check your teeth for decay.
Tooth decay, if left unchecked, can progress to a point of seriously damaging the tooth and root. In severe cases of decay, it may even require a root canal surgery. Therefore, it is important to spot tooth decay in its infancy. Your dentist will use special tools to check each tooth for decay, so you can get restorations if needed.
5. They will examine your restorations.
Restorations such as crowns or fillings do not always last forever. If they are damaged, it is important to replace them so they do not affect your bite. Your dentist will check each of your existing restorations to ensure they are in good condition.
6. They will remove tartar buildup from your gum line.
While plaque can be removed with a standard dental hygiene routine, tartar must be removed by a dental professional. This calcified substance builds up along the gum line and can lead to gingivitis and even gum disease. Therefore, it is important that you visit your dentist to ensure this is removed during your professional teeth cleaning.
Would you like to schedule your next dentist appointment? Call Advanced Family Dental & Orthodontics today to plan your visit to your local office!