For many, visiting the dentist is something done only when an emergency arises, like sudden toothaches or tooth-related injuries. However, as you may have heard, it’s a good idea to see your dentist at least twice a year to get your teeth looked at and cleaned. It can be difficult to identify the signs of optimal oral health on your own. That’s where visiting the dentist comes in. These appointments are a chance to have a medical professional take a look at you and assess your health. In the case of your oral health, there are other benefits to seeing the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. Here’s why those checkups and cleanings matter for your oral health.
1. Easy Removal of Plaque
One service most dental clinics provide is plaque removal. Visiting the dentist isn’t always about “pressing” health concerns. Sometimes you can visit to give your teeth a more in-depth cleaning than you can perform on your own. Even when you brush and floss diligently, there are going to be spots on your teeth you can’t reach on your own. Over time, the food residue you can’t reach develops into tartar, which is a leading cause of tooth decay. You can’t remove tartar on your own, so visiting the dentist is a way for you to get your teeth cleaned more completely, giving you greater protection from tooth decay and cavities.
2. Convenient Root Canal Prevention
In general, healthy teeth also have healthy root canals. This is the part of the tooth where the blood vessels reach the tooth and nourish it. Regular checkups are a chance to monitor the health of your teeth, and the root canals in particular. If there are any issues with your root canals, these checkups are the perfect time to catch those problems and address them early. While undergoing a root canal procedure is less scary and difficult than most people think, the ideal solution in any health-related issue is to avoid the need for treatment in the first place.
3. Inspection for Periodontal Disease
It’s not just your teeth that need looking after, your gums need care too. Over time, buildup of plaque and tartar can begin to affect the gums. That buildup can erode your gums, leading to gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis. Many gum diseases do not have obvious symptoms, so it can be difficult to detect problems on your own. A dental checkup is the perfect time to get your gums looked at so you can ensure you’re still in good health. Catching those diseases early is a great way to get it treated with minimal fuss and possibly avoid a costly, inconvenient surgery.
4. Addressing Bad Habits
One other area where your dentist can offer help is in eliminating bad habits. There are plenty of dental-related bad habits that can impact the health of your teeth and gums. Some of those bad habits include biting your nails, clenching your jaws, or overbrushing. Some of these habits may be things you do involuntarily, and so it can be difficult to identify the problem by yourself. Your dentist can offer a helping hand. During a checkup, they can examine your teeth for signs of those bad habits and bring them to your attention. From there, they can work with you to identify those habits and suggest lifestyle changes to eliminate them altogether.
5. Opportunity for Cosmetic Dentistry
There’s more to dentistry than just getting care for your teeth and gums. Part of a dentist’s job is adjusting your teeth to improve your appearance. Dental checkups are a good time to have those aesthetic procedures done to tweak your appearance and raise your self-esteem. For example, dental cleaning can remove any discolouration on your teeth caused by the food you eat and restore your teeth to their proper shiny appearance. Take note that the shine doesn’t last forever. For best results, it’s a good idea to visit your dentist often to ensure your teeth stay bright and shiny regularly. Think of it as an additional incentive to visit the dentist.
6. Personalized Dental Care
Every patient’s needs are unique, and it’s vital your treatment plan addresses those personal needs. Regular checkups are a golden opportunity to speak with your dentist and get advice regarding your oral hygiene routines. Your dentist keeps records of your health, and is in a good position to recommend advice to help you improve your oral health. Whether it’s dietary advice or pointing you toward dental products (e.g. reliable electric toothbrushes) that can help you take better care of your teeth, your dentist can provide personalized advice tailored specifically for you to optimize your dental health routine.
It’s always important to visit your doctor regularly, and that also applies to your dentist. Regular appointments are the perfect chance to get a checkup for your teeth and gums and give them the care they need. If you ever needed more reasons to visit the dentist twice a year like you’re advised to, then keep this guide in mind to remind yourself why it’s such a good idea in the first place.
Do you need a dentist to handle your regular checkups and cleaning? Then contact Township Dental Centre right now. We offer a wide range of services to look after all your dental-related needs. Give us a call now at (604) 533-8475 and schedule your appointment.