Getting regular dental checkups is vitally essential to your health. However, many patients don’t come in to see us as often as they should. The American Dental Association (ADA) suggests that you schedule a routine dentist appointment every six months. Doing so ensures your teeth are thoroughly cleaned and allows your dentist to conduct an oral examination. Let’s dig into the 7 reasons you should see your dentist every six months.
Why you need dental checkups every six months.
Our teeth are pretty important. Those pearly whites are the first thing that others see when you flash a smile their way. But your oral health is also pretty essential and serves as a gateway to your overall health. Here are just a few reasons you should keep your date with your dentist.
1. Prevent Cavities
First and foremost, perhaps the top reason you need a regular dental checkup is to prevent or treat tooth decay, which can lead to cavities. Though it happens to everyone, that buildup on your teeth is the leading cause of tooth decay. This acidic substance erodes your dental enamel and, when left untreated, leads to dental caries. Cavities cause substantial pain and can even lead to a root canal, but a professional teeth cleaning will successfully remove that buildup and help you prevent both tooth decay and gingivitis.
2. Prevent Gum Disease
As we mentioned above, dental buildup can lead to tooth decay and gingivitis. Gum disease (aka gingivitis) is an infection of the tissues that surround your teeth. When gum disease is left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and bone loss. Rinsing your mouth after you eat and getting a dental checkup every six months will help to prevent gum disease from developing in your mouth.
3. Catch Oral Cancer Early
During your dental checkup, your dentist will conduct a thorough oral examination that will include an oral cancer screening. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, close to 54,000 Americans will find out they have oral or oropharyngeal cancer this year. Further, oral cancer will contribute to over 9750 deaths, killing roughly one person per hour, 24 hours per day. These statistics are quite alarming. Thus, it is vital to know that oral cancer can be prevented and treated if detected early.
4. Brighten Your Smile
As we get older, the brightness and whiteness of our teeth begin to discolor and fade. And, unfortunately, many of us seem to be fueled by coffee, tea, and caffeinated caramel-colored sodas to get through the day. These drinks can stain our teeth, as can red wine, soda, and tobacco. A thorough dental cleaning conducted at your dental checkup can remove these stains so that your smile stays brighter and whiter.
5. Keep Your Mouth Healthy
As we said earlier, your mouth serves as the gateway to the rest of your body. So keeping your mouth healthy can positively impact your entire body. Getting regular dental cleanings and checkups helps to lower your risk for various diseases, including heart disease and stroke. Some of these conditions can be life-threatening but can be detected in their early stages by your dentist.
6. Early Orthodontic Intervention
When you or your kids see your dentist twice a year, your dentist can better determine if orthodontic intervention will be needed. Tooth eruption coincides with skeletal growth, and sometimes permanent teeth do not come in where the baby teeth were. Teeth can grow in twisted or crooked. Leaving these conditions untreated can contribute to bruxism, unnecessary wear and tear on the teeth, stress on the jaw, and gum recession. Thus, the sooner that orthodontic issues are caught, the less painful and less expensive treatments tend to be.
7. Fewer out-of-pocket and lower insurance costs
Though most dental plans today have very low or no co-payment options for dental checkups and cleanings, many people still don’t go to the dentist as often as they should. But, by taking advantage of these health insurance benefits, you can protect your oral health and avoid costly procedures down the road. Regular dental checkups allow you to be proactive with your oral health, keeping both your mouth and pocketbook healthy.
Schedule your dental checkups with Allred Family Dentistry.
If you live or work in Griffin or Hampton, Georgia, there is no reason to keep searching for the best family dentist near me. Whether you have tooth decay, gingivitis, or require a dental checkup and an oral cancer exam, the Allred Family Dentistry team is ready to help. Request an appointment on our website. We look forward to seeing you.
