Can you remember the last time you visited your dentist? If your answer is no, then you may have a severe problem. Your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body and contains millions of bacteria, some good and some bad. Which is why it is important to go for regular checkups with your dentist to ensure everything is in order.

Most individuals think that brushing and flossing are enough to maintain good oral health. But numerous oral problems can occur even if you brush and floss regularly. Which is why the American Dental Association has recommended that individuals should get a dental checkup once every six months. More often for those that have oral problems. We discuss some reasons why that is.

Seven Reasons Why You need an Oral Checkup

Detect oral cancer

Oral cancer is a serious disease that can accumulate for some time before being detected by an individual. Like all cancer, the condition is life-threatening, and the sooner it is discovered, the more chances of it being treated. Since individuals usually overlook the early signs, a dentist can help identify early stages of oral cancer. Which means that it can be treated before it spreads, giving individuals a higher chance of overcoming it.

Plaque

Build-up of plaque leads to tartar, which results in cavities. When it comes to dental care, these three are probably the most common problems. One thing people that brush and floss regularly tend to overlook is that plaque can still build up in small pockets that are hard to reach which brushing and flossing. As plaque builds up, tartar is formed. Tartar is much harder than plaque and cannot be removed without professional cleaning. What tartar does is, it starts to create holes in the teeth, giving way for bacteria to form cavities in the teeth.

Dentists can help you identify plaque and tartar build-up so it can be treated before cavities are formed.

Gum disease

Gum disease is another typical result of plaque and tartar build-up. As tartar builds up on the gums, it leads to an infection which leads to the tooth pulling away from the gum. This condition is also known as gingivitis. If gingivitis is left untreated, it can lead to serious gum disease, which results in tooth loss. Regular checkups with your dentist will help identify gingivitis and treat it, so it doesn’t become too serious.

Maintaining good oral habits

Certain habits can cause damage to your teeth. Most individuals aren’t aware of such practices which can lead to damaging of the teeth or other problems. These habits are:

• Nail-biting
• Teeth grinding
• Chewing ice
• Jaw clenching

Dentists can identify when such habits have an impact on your teeth and can guide you on how to get rid of such habits.

X-ray

Dental X-ray can help dentists see beyond the surface and into what is happening inside the gums. They help them identify when wisdom teeth are coming in, notice impacted teeth, and also bone decay. With regular checkups, the dentist can recommend X-rays when needed to find exactly how healthy your teeth and jawbones are below the surface.

Ends up saving you money

Regular checkups can help you save a lot of money in the long run. Dental treatments can be costly if they aren’t identified at an early stage. With regular checkups, your dentist can help identify problems and treat them, so they don’t become too serious and rack up your dental bills.

Brighter smile

Everyone aims to have a picture-perfect smile. With a regular checkup, your dentist can help you achieve that smile and maintain it. Most dentists even offer discounts on treatments such as cleaning and whitening for regular clients.

There are nothing but benefits when it comes to going for regular checkups. At Dental One Care, Dr. Fardi Farhat and his team ensure to treat every patient with the care they need. There is a growing fear of going to the dentist, and we make sure that our patients feel comfortable first before treatments and checkups. To ensure they keep coming back regularly without any fear.