How often do you visit a dentist? If you are like me, your answer would not be quite often. Most probably when you experience a tooth problem. 

We all think our teeth are in good shape and we don’t have to visit a dentist. Well, it is a huge mistake. You should visit a dental office and get a regular checkup every 6 months. 

The best way to prevent gum or mouth diseases is by good oral hygiene and regular care. A regular checkup will help in identifying the problem early on. If you ignore a problem, it will just worsen the problem, costing you a lot in terms of health, money, and time. 

For instance, you went to the dentist for a regular checkup, and there is a slight cavity in your tooth. If you get it treated, you will be saved from the extraction or other complicated procedures. 

Still not convinced why you should go for a checkup at the dentist regularly? Don’t worry, we have mentioned the importance of dental checkup.

Detect Gum Diseases 

According to Dentist Fairbanks AK, Preventing problems is almost always less expensive than fixing them later. By visiting a dental office regularly, you can detect gum diseases early on. Gums are a sensitive part of your mouth and buildup of plaque and tartar affects them negatively. Not only will it cause tooth decay, but it can also lead to infection, commonly known as gingivitis. 

If the disease is not treated quickly, it will worsen and might weaken your teeth. For treating this, the dentist will have to take drastic measures. 

Check For Oral Cancer 

When you frequently visit the dentist for a dental checkup, the dentist can detect oral cancer. We all know that oral cancer is a serious health condition that can manifest in several ways. In case this disease is not detected quickly, it can become a life-threatening disease. If oral cancer is detected at an early stage, it is not lethal. 

The dentist is qualified and experienced to check signs of oral cancer. With regular checkups, the disease can be detected in its early stages. 

Checking Under the Surfaces 

When you visit the dental office after 6 months, the dentist will take x-rays of your teeth. This is to make sure there are no problems beneath the surface. Most problems that affect our teeth are visible since they are on the surface.

However, sometimes problems are not visible such as bone swelling and jaw injury. If these problems are not treated on time, they can become severe and treatment will be invasive. 

So, by regularly visiting the dentist, problems under the surface can be detected quickly and corrective procedures can be started soon. 

Keep a Check on Bad Habits 

There are plenty of bad habits that have a negative impact on our health. The problem is that we might not even realize it is causing so many problems. For instance, biting your nails, clenching your jaws, chewing ice, brushing your teeth too hard, drinking coffee, and eating hard sweets. 

When you go for a regular checkup, the dentist will look for damages to your teeth caused by such habits. The dentist will advise you to change your lifestyle and change your habits to avoid any further damage. 

What to Expect When You Visit For a Dental Checkup?

When you schedule an appointment with a dentist for a regular checkup, the dentist will take a look at your mouth, throat, tongue, and gums. 

Neck and Head Examination 

First, the dentist will start by examining your face, neck, lymph nodes, and lower jaw joints. 

Clinical Dental Examination 

Next, the dentist will check the state of your teeth by examining your gums. During this examination, they will focus on signs of gum diseases. They will look for loose teeth, pay attention to tissues in your mouth, check for broken teeth, check your bite, examine your tongue, check if the fillings are damaged, and much more. 

Dental Cleaning 

After that, the dentist will professionally clean your mouth using different methods. They can polish your teeth to remove tartar and plaque, check the cleanliness of your teeth, and give advice related to flossing and brushing techniques. 

Once the dental checkup is over, the dentist will tell you about your oral health and suggest ways on how to improve it. 

In the end, seeing a dentist after 6 months is crucial for your health. This is because you can get your teeth cleaned and will keep your gums and teeth healthy. For more details, feel free to contact us.