There’s no doubt we’ve all asked the question at some point, especially after that notification letter or text from our dentist: do you really need to go to the dentist every six months? Well, those who advocate for a regular cleaning twice a year are certainly onto something, and six months is usually how often you should go to the dentist for a check-up.
From general hygiene benefits to the prevention of more serious conditions, a cleaning is the perfect way to keep your oral health at check, and twice a year seems to be the gold standard for how often you should go. But for those who are still unsure, here are some specific reasons you should see your dentist every six months.
Benefits of Seeing a Dentist Every Six Months
Among the many benefits of seeing a dentist every six months, the most obvious reasons pertain to the health and quality of your teeth. A cleaning twice a year is a great way to make sure your teeth are sparkly and healthy, and also to help you catch other common oral conditions before or just as they happen. These conditions include:
- Cavities – The dreaded cavity, an extremely popular but annoying condition that tends to arise after extended periods of improper cleaning or flossing. It’s often hard to tell whether or not you have a cavity, but a dentist can always check to make sure, and to perform the proper filling.
- Ulcers – Anyone who’s dealt with a mouth ulcer will explain how frustrating they are, and how they seem to come on out of nowhere. Whether it’s serious or not, a dentist will be able to diagnose what’s going on, and tell you how to address the issue.
- Plaque Build-up – The build-up of plaque is generally what makes our teeth need a good scrubbing. Proper daily hygiene can alleviate much of this plaque and tartar, but a larger build-up can lead to other conditions such as tooth decay, root canals, and gum disease. Having your dentist pick away at this plaque of course helps in the prevention of these conditions.
- Overall Health – Research suggests that your oral health has a direct role to play in your general health and well-being. The mouth is often considered a “window” to your body, and when it’s healthy, it prevents harmful bacteria from entering your bloodstream. Proper dental hygiene can help prevent conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, arthritis, dementia, and cancer.
Prevention of More Serious Oral Health Issues
The importance of regular dental visits goes beyond simple cleaning, and aids in the prevention of a number of serious oral health problems that can cause lasting effects. These conditions that a regular cleaning twice a year can prevent include:
- Gum Infection/Disease – Serious gum infections such as gingivitis and periodontitis can be detrimental to your oral health, and can cause tooth decay or loss, gum decay, and other health problems such as respiratory issues.
- Oral Cancer – Especially for those who smoke tobacco or drink excessive amounts of alcohol, oral cancer can be treated much more easily if caught in the early stages, and it’s always important to have your dentist check for symptoms.
Inspire Dental Wellness
At Inspire Dental Wellness, we specialize in family cosmetic dentistry and oral health for all members of your family, regardless of whether you need teeth whitening, veneers, or a simple teeth cleaning or cavity filling. We use the latest dental technology to make sure our patients always feel comfortable with their dental experience, and provide the proper solutions for all things oral health.
Looking for a dentist in Orland Park? We take the time and effort to give our patients the tools they need for a healthy smile, and all the preventative measures needed to avoid serious conditions. For more information regarding our services, or to schedule an appointment, feel free to contact us today.