You probably already know that brushing and flossing twice daily is key to preventing dental issues like tooth decay and gum disease. It consistently removes harmful plaque and bacteria buildup that cause problems.
However, even if you diligently stick to your at-home hygiene regimen, it’s important to also visit your dentist every 6 months for a checkup and cleaning. It allows them to track your oral condition so they can quickly spot any areas of concern and address them before they progress.
Continue reading to learn 3 of the benefits of keeping up with routine checkups!
Benefit #1: You Can Save Money
If you’ve noticed any changes to your dental status, it’s a good idea to schedule a checkup sooner rather than later. Unfortunately, even small issues can indicate a larger underlying problem. Plus, problems with your teeth don’t usually resolve themselves and require professional intervention to address.
For example, if you have a mild toothache, there’s a chance you have a cavity that needs to be filled. If you wait to see your dentist, your tooth could decay to the point that it becomes infected and requires an emergency root canal, which is more expensive than a filling.
Seeing your dentist more often allows them to make repairs when needed, which precludes more complex and costly procedures later.
Benefit #2: You Can Prevent Oral Cancer
Did you know that the Oral Cancer Foundation has shared that nearly 58,500 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year? Of those patients, only slightly half will be alive in 5 years’ time. It’s natural to be startled by such shocking statistics, but thankfully, oral cancer can be treated if it’s discovered early enough.
Many patients aren’t aware that their dentist includes a tissue screening for this dangerous illness as a standard part of your checkup appointment. That means you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that if you’re showing any signs of oral cancer, your dentist will catch it quickly.
Benefit #3: You Can Boost Your Confidence
Dental problems can be especially frustrating because they impact your oral well-being as well as detract from your appearance. Issues like chipped, stained, cracked, crooked, or misshapen teeth can leave you feeling so self-conscious about your grin that you try to remain tight-lipped. You might refrain from speaking up at work, remain tight-lipped for photos, or avoid social interactions.
Meanwhile, your dental team also professionally cleans your teeth during routine checkups so that these issues are less of a concern. They can reach places in your mouth that you might miss, like behind your molars, to find any potentially hidden problems. Plus, they have special instruments and the experience needed to remove even the most stubborn plaque and tartar buildup. You’ll have sparkling clean teeth that you’re proud to show off.
By visiting your dentist twice annually, you can safeguard your smile from dental dangers!
About the Author
Dr. Thomas A. Gromling has nearly 40 years of experience providing a full array of services to help families improve their overall dental condition. He earned his undergraduate degree from Virginia Tech and then pursued his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Medical College of Virginia at Virginia Commonwealth University. He’s a member of several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, so you know your smile is in good hands. With a personable approach and state-of-the-art technology, he enhances patient comfort while increasing the accuracy of treatment results. If it’s been a while since your last dental checkup, you can request an appointment on the website or by calling (540) 869-4377.