Regular dental checkups are crucial when it comes to maintaining good oral health. Dental appointments shouldn’t be made only when you have a problem. Visits to the dentist can identify problems before they become major issues that can damage your oral and overall health.
If you skip multiple checkups, small problems can have serious consequences.
Unfortunately, many people delay going to the dentist for various reasons, including anxiety, misinformation, or scheduling woes. As dental problems can develop gradually, early signs are easily missed by patients, only becoming obvious once pain is experienced. If you skip multiple checkups, small problems can have serious consequences.
5 Important Benefits of Regular Checkups
Dental checkups are key to maintaining a healthy mouth. Here are 5 reasons why you should have routine dental checkups:
- Prevent tooth decay. Regular trips to the dentist can help prevent plaque and tartar buildup. When plaque and tartar buildup, especially in those tough-to-reach places like molars, it’s easier for tooth decay and cavities to develop. When your teeth are cleaned professionally, you can reduce long-term buildup.
- Prevent gum disease. In the early stages of gum disease, there are usually no symptoms. This makes it hard for people to know anything is wrong. However, regular dental checkups will allow your dentist to catch signs of gum disease early on and advise you how to improve your oral hygiene.
- Avoid excessive dental treatments. You might experience severe toothaches or develop loose permanent teeth that need to be pulled. Correcting these problems may require invasive treatments such as root canals or extractions. Not only are these kinds of treatments time-consuming, but they can also be expensive.
- Prevent chronic health issues. Untreated tooth decay can be linked to various health problems, including chronic diseases, such as: Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes, Osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Sleep Apnea.
- Catch signs of oral cancer early. Visiting the dentist regularly can help identify early stages of oral cancer. Left untreated, oral cancer can lead to life-threatening issues.
What Happens During a Dental Checkup?
A trip to the dentist is simple and straightforward. Most appointments include a dental exam, a thorough cleaning, and x-rays to check for issues that may not be visible during a regular exam. During the exam, your dentist will check for the following:
- Signs of gum disease
- Loose teeth
- Tongue
- Bite (the way your teeth align when you bite together)
- Signs of tooth decay
- Broken teeth
- Damaged fillings
- Changes in the gums
- Dental appliances
You can make your appointment more efficient by arriving with a list of your current medications, allergy information, and insurance card(s).
Regular dental checkups will allow your dentist to catch signs of gum disease early on and advise you how to improve your oral hygiene.
How Often Should I Get A Dental Checkup?
The Asheville Dental team recommends getting a checkup every six months. Two yearly checkups are standard and sufficient for keeping clean teeth, promoting healthy gums, and catching any potential complications. To make your next visit efficient and stress-free, we’ve put together suggestions for getting the most out of your visit here.
Nothing is more important than providing the highest quality dentistry to our patients. We do this by establishing long-lasting patient relationships built on genuine care and friendly, honest communication. Additionally, we invest in state-of-the-art equipment to give patients the high-tech treatment they deserve! Contact us today, and let’s talk about your oral health goals.
