Why Should You Get Regular Dental Checkups?

November 30, 2022

Regular dental checkups should happen about every six months, depending on your oral health. Dental checkups are more than just an opportunity to get cleaner, whiter teeth. They help you protect your oral health and prevent common dental issues that can impact the appearance of your smile and potentially even the health of your body as you age. Why else should you get regular dental checkups?

Check for Cavities and Gum Disease

During your dental checkup, your dentist and dental hygienist will check your teeth and gums for evidence of disease, including tooth decay and gum disease. With nearly half of all American adults over the age of 30 having some form of gum disease, getting regular screenings for this condition is essential [1].

The earlier you catch tooth decay or gum disease, the easier it is to treat. For example, gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, may simply require a deep cleaning as treatment, while a cavity that’s just starting may be able to reversed with fluoride rather than a filling.

Get an Oral Cancer Screening

If you go to the dentist every six months, during one of those visits, your dentist will perform an oral cancer screening. Oral cancer screenings allow your dentist to potentially detect oral cancer before you have symptoms [2].

An oral cancer screening is recommended whether or not you smoke or use tobacco products. The screening is painless and only takes a couple minutes. Your dentist will ask you a few questions and examine your oral cavity as well as your face, neck, head, for any lumps or abnormalities.

Talk to Your Dentist About Your Oral Health

Your regular dental checkups are an opportunity to talk to your dentist about your oral health, including any symptoms you’re having, which products you should use, and how well you are taking care of your teeth and gums.

Without having this insight into your oral care, it’s easier for you to continue brushing or flossing your teeth incorrectly and cause damage. Your dentist can also tell if you grind your teeth, potentially suffer from acid reflux, and if you could have sleep apnea just by examining your oral cavity [3].

Prevent a Dental Emergency

Getting regular dental checkups can also reduce the chances that you would need to seek urgent care for a dental emergency. Dental emergencies often happen because of a problem that either could have been prevented or addressed much sooner, such as a cavity that turns into an excruciating toothache or a dental restoration that has become weak and fallen out.

Since dental emergencies can be expensive, painful, and time-consuming, it’s always best to see your dentist regularly to ensure your teeth are strong and healthy so you can skip that visit to the emergency room [4].

When Was Your Last Dental Checkup?

When did you last get a dental checkup? If it’s been more than six months since you’ve seen your dentist, now is the time to book an appointment so you can keep your smile as healthy as possible for as long as possible.