Burlington, ON dentist answers common question, “What is the importance of regular dental visits.”

How often do you go to your dentist? While most people have heard that regular visits to the dentist are crucial to oral health, not everyone goes. The truth is, going to the dentist every six months to 1 year for an exam with the dentist and every 3 to 6 months for a cleaning with the hygienist is one of the best things you can do for your oral health, and it’s one of the best ways to keep your dental care costs to a minimum. Taking care of your teeth plays a vital role in good health, and so does scheduling your twice-yearly checkups. In the following article, Burlington, ON dentist, Dr. Gupta, explains why he recommends visiting the dentist every six months.

Regular dental checkups are the best way to promote long-term oral health

We get it, most people don’t necessarily enjoy going to the dentist. However, individuals who do not maintain regular dental care often end up with more advanced dental conditions, which can put them at risk for other health complications.

Many dental issues, including gum disease are almost completely preventable

Here are the top reasons why you should visit the dentist every six months

Prevent Plaque and Tartar

Plaque is a sticky substance that is caused by a buildup of harmful bacteria. When plaque accumulates around the teeth and gumline, it can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. The leading causes of plaque buildup are poor diet and inadequate oral hygiene. Furthermore, even with diligent tooth brushing and flossing, there are certain areas of the mouth that can be difficult to reach. Professional cleanings at your six-month dental check-up will remove this buildup so you can leave with a cleaner, healthier smile.

X-Rays

While the dentist will perform a visual check, x-rays are a valuable tool to allow the doctor to identify any potential problems that may not be visible. Addressing dental problems when they are early and still emerging ends up being less complex.

Saving Money

By visiting with the dentist every six months, most dental conditions can be caught early before they have begun to advance. This allows us to come up with a treatment plan to address the problem right away and saves patients time and money in the future.

Oral Cancer Detection

Oral cancer can impact anyone, but individuals who drink alcohol regularly or smoke/use tobacco products are at the greatest risk for the disease. Like other types of cancer, the earlier oral cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat, and the chances of survival go up.

Improve oral hygiene and bad habits

There are many factors that can impact oral health, and as dental professionals, we can help with many of them. We are always happy to educate patients on proper methods of oral hygiene, and to help those who are struggling with habits such as smoking, teeth grinding, chewing on ice, or poor nutrition. Remember, we’re your partners in improving oral health and we’re not here to judge, simply to help.

Monitoring existing restorations

If you have fillings, dental crowns, bridges, or other restorations, it’s essential to maintain regular dental care so we can monitor the strength and stability of them. Restorations typically need to be replaced over time, and it’s better to do so before something cracks or falls out.

Improve your smile and the way you feel

When you maintain your regular dental visits, you can help keep your smile looking vibrant, which improves your mood and self-esteem. Additionally, we can always help with simple procedures such as teeth whitening to really take your smile to the next level.

Ultimately, what it comes down to is the fact that prevention is the key regarding your oral health. By staying proactive with good oral hygiene at home, healthy nutrition habits, and visiting the dentist every six months, you are setting yourself up for good oral health and overall wellness.

To make it easy, we always recommend scheduling your next six-month check while you’re in the office for a visit. This prevents the inevitable, “I was busy and forgot” problem and ensures that you are making your oral health a priority.

If you are in the Burlington, ON area and would like to schedule your check-up with the team at Mount Royal Dental, please call us today at (905) 581-9912, we are accepting new patients.

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