Image Source: pexels.com

Dental hygiene has been taught to us from a very young age. Lifestyle and eating habits have an immense impact on our oral health. You may not realize, but you may have untreated cavities that can worsen with time, affecting your dental and overall health. While brushing and flossing twice a day are effective ways to maintain  clean and healthy teeth, it may not be enough. It is also essential to have a dental checkup every 6 months for good oral hygiene. Think twice before you consider skipping your dental checkups. It may seem unnecessary or costly but is beneficial in the long term. Here are several reasons highlighting the importance of regular dental checkups.

1. Regular Cleansing

While brushing and flossing are effective, there are some areas that may be missed. Plaque and bacteria can get trapped in between your teeth and corners, which may sometimes not get completely cleaned even by regular brushing. Over time, plaque can solidify into tartar, which is difficult to get rid off without professional help. Cavities usually give signs when the tooth is already decayed. When you get your teeth cleaned regularly, they become free of plaque and bacteria, enhancing your oral health.

2. Prevent Gum Disease

Plaque and tartar build up may cause gum diseases. When tartar builds up, it causes an infection that affects the gum tissue, resulting in gum disease. Gum diseases also cause dental bone to breakdown. This can lead to tooth loss. Regular checkups with your dentist are important to avoid as wells as detect and treat it before it gets too late.

Image Source: commons.wikimedia.org

3. Avert Major Issues

It’s recommended that you visit the dentist at least twice a year. So, next time you visit your dentist, you may get your teeth and jaw bone X-ray done. This allows your dentist to look beyond the surface of your teeth and diagnose issues that may not be easily detected. Issues, like oral cancer, bone decay, cysts, and tumors can be detected and treated before they worsen. Apart from these, the dentist may also do a head, neck and lymph node checks to alert you of any major health issue. Diagnose and treatment of such issues is critical, as they can have an impact on your overall health.

4. A Check on Bad Habits

You may have certain habits that can have a negative effect on your dental health. These habits include smoking, nail biting, grinding of teeth, clenching your jaw, bad eating habits, caffeine and alcohol intake, and brushing too hard. Your dentist can detect any damage caused by such habits, which may have gone unnoticed. By going for regular checkups and talking with your dentist, you can become aware of habits which are harmful to your teeth and put a stop to them,

The importance of regular dental checkups as well as cleanings has been highlighted by dentists and health professionals time and again. This assists you in maintaining good oral health and a beautiful smile. It is never too late to adopt a good habit. You can contact a professional dentist and make regular dental checkups a priority.