Do you remember when your last dental checkup was? If not, then you could have a variety of oral health issues you aren’t even aware of. Routine dental checkups play an essential role in safeguarding your lasting oral health. Here are some reasons why you should schedule your next checkup today.
How Often Should You Visit the Dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends routine exams for children every six months.1 The same general rule holds true not only for children but also for adolescents and adults.
However, that guideline isn’t necessarily right for everyone. There are several cases where more frequent visits may be necessary. Patients with gum disease, weak immune systems, and other complicating factors may need additional visits. The best way to know for sure is to follow the guidance of your dentist.
Regular Dental Visits Prevent Oral Health Issues
Your regular dental visit is an essential part of preventative dental care. This area of dentistry focuses on stopping issues from taking hold in the first place rather than treating them afterward.
When you come in for your visit, your dentist looks for signs that tooth decay, gum disease, and other issues are developing. From there, they can provide advice and treatment plans that stop them from progressing. Other preventative treatments, such as fluoride, are often administered at the same time for even greater protection.
Good Oral Hygiene Isn’t a Replacement for Dental Care
If you think that you don’t need to see the dentist because you take care of your teeth at home, you’re making a serious mistake. Routine dental care isn’t just for people with ‘bad teeth’ — it’s for everyone.
The teeth cleaning that typically accompanies exams removes plaque and tartar that simply can’t be handled at home. Tartar forms hard deposits that regular brushing can’t break through, which is why your dentist or dental hygienist uses specialized tools to remove tartar and plaque from your teeth and gum line.
Early Detection Is the Best Approach
Early detection is always best when it comes to tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. The earliest stages of these problems may require little more than oral hygiene or lifestyle changes. Left to progress over time, they could eventually lead to outcomes such as tooth loss.
By visiting your dentist every six months, you ensure that these issues don’t spiral out of control before intervention is possible. This is also true for rarer conditions, such as oral cancer, where early detection drastically improves outcomes.
Overall Health and Oral Health Are Intertwined
Your routine dental visits aren’t just about your smile’s appearance, function, and health. They also have a link to overall health. Gum disease can impact your immune system and allow infection to spread. Tooth loss can cause many nutrition-related issues and impact your self-confidence and quality of life.
Visiting your dentist every six months lets you maintain strong oral health. By doing so, you’ll also enjoy the wide range of additional health benefits that come with it.
Don’t Hesitate to Schedule Your Next Dental Checkup
Routine dental checkups are an essential part of maintaining your oral health. If you’ve fallen behind, your best option is to reach out and schedule an appointment today. Even if overlooking your dental care has led to a decline in your oral health, acting now can minimize the treatment you’ll need to restore your smile.
At Albion Family Dental, we provide routine dental checkups and teeth cleaning for patients of all ages. We’re your dental home for treatments of all kinds. We can help you develop a treatment plan that best suits your unique needs. Don’t hesitate to reach out and book your next appointment today. Call us at (585) 589-9044.
Sources:
[1] https://www.aapd.org/resources/parent/faq/