You’ve probably heard that you should go to the dentist every six months to keep up on oral hygiene, but why is that necessary? It can seem expensive to visit the dentist twice a year, and if you keep up on brushing and flossing daily at home, you may not see the point. However, what you do at home doesn’t always keep your teeth and gums clean, and a dentist can spot issues before they turn into complications.
Cavities
Cavities are an advanced form of tooth decay. They occur when the enamel of a tooth gets worn through, and the decay can spread to more sensitive deeper layers beneath. A dentist looks for decay at each regular checkup. If any is noted, another appointment can be made to fill in the cavity and use techniques out of the Journal of Clinical Dentistry.
Gum Disease
Gum disease can lead to serious health implications if it is not caught soon. Inflamed, red and sore gums are indications of gingivitis, the first stage of the disease. After that, periodontitis causes the gums to pull away from teeth and can begin to wear down gum tissue securing teeth to the jawbone. It can also directly deteriorate the bone. Going to the dentist regularly gives you more opportunities to discover signs of gum disease and take preventative action.
Smile Health
Regular checkups involve cleanings that keep smiles white and healthy. To keep your smile looking nice and free of stains, visiting a dentist twice a year is your best bet. A dentist scrapes away plaque and eliminates other pigments impacting your smile.
Seeing a dentist every six months is a great way to save yourself money in the future by catching early problems before they worsen. Regular cleanings usually only last around an hour, and that’s significantly better than going in for longer appointments to fix cavities or plaque buildup.