You’ve probably heard that it’s super important to visit your dentist every six months. But do you know why?

Regular dental check-ups are a mainstay of good oral health. And putting them off can do a lot of harm, especially when it comes to avoiding some of the most preventable dental problems.

Here’s what to know about regular dental exams, including what they entail and why they’re so essential for your health.

What Happens At Routine Dental Exams?

During a routine exam, your dentist will examine your mouth for issues such as cavities or inflamed gums. Depending on your age and health status, this process may include dental x-rays in addition to a manual examination of your teeth and mouth.

A routine dental visit also includes teeth cleaning. This part of the exam is generally done by a dental hygienist rather than your dentist, and helps get rid of built-up bacteria (known as plaque) that can be difficult to remove on your own.

Finally, before you leave, you’ll have an opportunity to bring up any concerns with your dentist and discuss possible next steps. They may also give you some helpful tips on how to improve your at-home oral health routine.

How Long Does a Dental Exam Take?

The amount of time you’ll spend at the dentist for a routine exam varies, but you can expect to be done in about 30 to 45 minutes, barring any major issues. The cleaning part of the exam should take about 10 to 15 of those minutes.

While it can be difficult to find time to go to the dentist, sticking to these recommended appointments makes a huge difference in your oral health and provides peace of mind that your teeth and gums are looking good. Routine dental exams also help prevent problems that can lead to much more time-intensive treatments.

What Are the Benefits of Regular Dental Check-Ups?

Did you know that a quarter of all adults aged 20 to 64 have untreated dental cavities? What about the fact that poor oral hygiene can result in all sorts of other health issues, such as an increased risk of heart disease, dementia, diabetes, and certain types of cancers?

It’s clear from these and other statistics that good oral health is a must for good health overall. And these aren’t even the only reasons that seeing your dentist on a regular schedule is so crucial. Other benefits of routine exams include:

Early detection and prevention – Oral health problems like tooth decay and gum disease are progressive, meaning they get worse the longer you go without treatment. A regular dental exam allows you to catch these and other issues at their earliest stages and to treat them before they turn into something more serious.

Cleaner teeth – Dental hygienists are true pros when it comes to removing plaque and tartar build-up and can get rid of bacteria that you can’t reach on your own when you brush and floss your teeth at home.

Status updates – It’s always good to know where you stand. A dental check-up provides you with expert oversight of your current oral health status, as well as personalized advice on what you need to be doing to ensure your teeth and gums stay as healthy as possible. Your dentist will also be able to check up on the status of existing fillings, crowns, and implants.

Better health – There is a huge connection between oral health and broader physical health. By prioritizing regular dental visits, you help ensure that you’re taking steps toward protecting yourself from not just oral infections but various conditions of all kinds.

Unlike many other parts of your body, you probably don’t spend a lot of time closely examining the inside of your mouth. Nor can you see on your own what’s going on under the gum line. Regular visits with a dentist are a way to make sure that your mouth gets the amount of attention it deserves, and should be considered a key part of any standard wellness routine.

In Search of a Dentist in Orland Park?

The first step to making the most of regular dental visits is having a dentist who you can trust with the care of your teeth and gums. At Inspire Dental Wellness, we offer routine check-ups and advanced care to ensure that your mouth is always at its healthiest. And we’re always happy to work with you to fit routine exams into your busy schedule.

Please contact us to schedule a dental exam, and we’ll keep your mouth looking and feeling its best.