There are reasons why dentists say you should see them every six months. There are at least ten reasons! In this piece, we will look at the top 10 reasons why getting your teeth cleaned and checked by a dentist twice a year is best. Check them out and let us know if there are any we missed.
1. Take care of minor problems before they grow into big ones.
The cleaning and the exam (or checkup) are usually the two most essential parts of a regular dentist visit. During the exam part of your visit, your dentist will closely look at your teeth for signs of tooth decay, like cavities, and evaluate your general oral health, including your gums. Going to the dentist for regular checkups ensures minor problems are manageable. This can help you avoid the physical and financial pain of conditions that do not go away.
2. Get your teeth cleaned by a professional to stop tooth damage.
Even people who brush and floss their teeth daily need a dentist to clean them twice a year. Plaque builds up over time in places that are hard to reach, and plaque that is not cleared can harden and turn into tartar. Most of the time, you cannot get rid of tartar just by brushing and flossing, so going to the dentist regularly lets them remove any plaque and tartar that has built up since your last visit. This helps stop tooth loss, which can lead to cavities and other problems like Gingivitis, a form of gum disease.
3. Check your mouth for oral cancer, gum disease, and other problems.
The oral cancer test is one of the most essential parts of a regular checkup at the dentist. During this check, the dentist will usually feel your jaw, neck, the insides of your lips and cheeks, the sides of your tongue, and the roof and floor of your mouth. Your dentist will also look for signs of gum disease and, if necessary, can do more thorough tests on your gums.
4. Make your smile brighter and feel better about yourself.
Getting your teeth cleaned regularly is a great way to keep your smile looking great and to feel better about yourself. If your smile makes you feel bad, whether because your teeth are stained, chipped, cracked, or missing, we can help you look into a wide range of cosmetic dentistry options to make you look and feel your best.
5. Take care of your teeth, and you will take care of your whole body.
Did you know that the health of your mouth can affect how well other parts of your body work? For example, more and more studies are finding links between mouth and heart health. A study by the University of California, Berkeley found that women who get dental care are less likely to get heart disease, have strokes, or have other heart problems. Similarly, some systemic diseases, like diabetes, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis, may show their first signs in the mouth. If your dentist notices something concerning during one of your regular visits, they can tell you about it and suggest you see your primary care doctor.
6. Pay attention to your oral health.
People who go to the dentist every six months are usually more “in tune” with their general oral health than those who do not. For example, if you go to the dentist often, you are more likely to notice subtle signs like sensitive teeth or gums and possible problem areas you can bring up at your next visit. If you take care of your oral health, you are more likely to notice problems immediately and fix them before they worsen.
7. Keep an eye on past dental work.
Some dental work can break down over time, so it is essential to keep an eye on any earlier work, especially if it was done by someone other than your current dentist. When you visit the dentist regularly, they can tell the difference between normal wear and tear and more significant problems. This lets them tell you how to strengthen or, in some cases, replace the work already done. Most of the time, being proactive saves money and gives you more treatment choices.
8. Give yourself the power of real-world information.
People say that knowledge is power, which is also true in dentistry. At H-Town Dental, we teach good dental habits and make an open, honest space where patients can ask questions without worrying about being judged or embarrassed. Knowing why some oral habits are recommended and others are not, you can arm yourself with helpful information and put it to use to take charge of your dental health and well-being.
9. Set an example to your children.
We all know that kids have a fantastic ability to act like us and pick up our habits, whether they are good or bad. When you go to the dentist often, you teach your kids how important it is to care for their teeth and set them up for a lifetime of good dental habits. You also show them at a young age that going to the doctor is nothing to worry about or be afraid of.
10. Save money over time.
Last, one of the most important reasons to go to the doctor often is to save money. Going to the dentist twice yearly makes you more likely to find and fix problems before they worsen and require more expensive and invasive care. In other words, preventive care for your mouth is similar to preventive care for your car. If you change the oil often enough, it will cost less to replace the engine than if you do not.
Need a family dentist in Houston, Texas?
As you can see, we are big fans of regular teeth cleanings and dental exams for all the above reasons. If you have not seen your dentist twice a year or are looking for an emergency dentist in Houston to help you and your family get back on track, we ask you to make an appointment with us today. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us first. We hope to hear from you soon!
