Why 6-monthly dental check-ups are so important

It’s that time of the year again – seeing your dentist. You may not want to go, and may even consider cancelling the appointment, but don’t! Your dentist holds one of the keys to your overall health, both in the short- and long-term. If you remain undecided, here are four key reasons why your dental check-up is so important for your health:

They can address plaque, tartar, and cavities.
Even if you brush and floss diligently, plaque and tartar can still build up in your mouth. Regular cleanings help remove them before they lead to permanent gum damage. And a cleaning will cost less than filling a cavity. However, if your dentist does detect the start of any cavities, they can fill them before they get larger and cost more.

They can detect oral cancer and other issues under the skin.
Did you know that your dentist is trained in detecting many types of cancers such as oral cancer? Detecting cancer early is crucial in getting treatment and beating it. If not diagnosed in time, oral cancer can spread quickly, but if caught early enough, the prognosis can be very good. And what’s more, you may not recognize or even experience any obvious symptoms, but your dentist can, either visually or through X-rays. So make that dental check-up!

They can address gum disease.
Cavities aren’t the only thing that plaque and tartar can cause – gum disease is another serious issue. When your gums get swollen and infected due to plaque and tartar buildup, the infection – known as gingivitis – can seriously affect your gums and cause them to erode. This happens when gingivitis develops into full blown periodontal disease.
With regular checkups, your dentist can detect and address the early stages of gum disease to keep your gums and teeth as healthy as possible.

Discourage bad habits
Your part in dental care isn’t just about brushing and flossing. Anything that you put in your mouth has the potential to cause damage. We all know about sugary foods and drinks, but there’s more than that. Drinking coffee, tea, acidic beverages and alcohol; chewing gum; grinding your teeth; chewing ice; and smoking cigarettes and marijuana can all affect your dental health.
Your dentist can tell you exactly what the consequences of these actions are, and offer advice about the ways you can stop or at least decrease these habits. We are here to help not to make you feel guilty.

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Make that call! If you think that missing an appointment is not that big of an issue, you would be wrong. Your dentist can find issues that not only affect your mouth but can also help detect other issues in your body that affect your dental health. Make that appointment today, and your overall health – not just your teeth – will thank you.