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There’s a reason why your dentist recommends you to visit every six months, and that’s because appointments shouldn’t just be made when a problem arises. After all, prevention is always better than cure, and dentists are not simply concerned about fixing your teeth. Regular cleaning, checking for abnormalities that may have otherwise been overlooked, and ensuring your teeth and gums stay healthy are habits that will save you time and money spent on actually addressing severe problems in the long run.
In that regard, there are reasons why you should take the time to call up your doctor and have your teeth checked. It’s only twice a year after all, and if you want to maintain a confident smile, it’s all worth the trouble.
Benefit #1: It Ensures the Removal of Plaque, Tartar, and Cavities
Some areas of your teeth are harder to reach than others, and not even the most determined flossers or brushers have the ability and means to hit the right spot. Plaque that builds up slowly solidifies and transforms into tartar, which can be especially challenging to remove without the assistance of your dentist.
In that regard, undergoing regular checkups allow your dental professional to clean your teeth and prevent plaque or tartar from drilling holes into them, which is how cavities are created.
Cavities make way for tooth decay, and the damage done can be a domino effect from thereon. To that end, regular cleanings can help you get rid of plaque and tartar to prevent it from accumulating and turning into a destructive cavity.
Benefit #2: It Prevents Gum Disease
Speaking of the buildup of tartar and plaque, not only can both cause cavities, but they can also cause infections where the gum is connected to the tooth - a condition called gingivitis. This is a disease wherein the tissue that attaches the gum to the teeth slowly tears and breaks down, leading to swelling, bleeding, and soreness in the mouth.
Severe cases include degeneration of the bone that is keeping your teeth in place, which results in them loosening and eventually falling off altogether. To that end, regular dental visits and cleaning will help catch the early signs of gum disease and prevent it from getting out of hand.
Benefit #3: It Keeps Bad Habits in Check
Some bad habits are more obvious than others, but nonetheless, all can have a negative impact on your oral health. Some minor bad habits you probably didn’t know about can have detrimental effects to your teeth include biting your nails, clenching your jaw, grinding your teeth, chewing ice, eating hard sweets, smoking cigarettes, and even drinking red wine or coffee! Undergoing a regular checkup will allow you to learn more about how you can integrate better oral care beyond brushing or flossing, as well as have your dentist check any damage caused by these habits. While the effects of those bad habits can’t be helped, your dentist will be able to give you sound advice on how to properly keep it in check to prevent further damage.
If you’re looking for affordable dentistry, get in touch today to see how we can help!
