You take exceptional care of your teeth. You brush twice a day and floss daily. You limit your soda and alcohol intake, and you brush your teeth after eating acidic foods. That’s great! We’re proud of you. But you should still visit the dentist twice a year.
But don’t worry. Because of your regular dental care routine, you should pass the dental exam with flying colors right? Well, you can’t be too sure of that because a dental exam is about much more than you realize.
6 Reasons Why You Should Visit the Dentist Twice a Year Even if You Feel Fine
- Plaque builds up despite your greatest efforts.
No matter how much you care for your teeth at home, plaque will build up, even if it’s just a little. Over time, though, a little will become a lot, and that can lead to tooth decay. Plaque will especially accumulate in hard-to-reach spaces or areas between your teeth. - Nothing compares to the feeling of a professional cleaning.
A professional cleaning simply feels good. Walking out with cleaner, whiter teeth is like walking out of a barber shop with a new shave or the nail salon with a fresh pedicure. Even if it’s just for a week or two, you feel and look better. - The dentist will check for signs of oral cancer.
As your dentist and hygienist examine your teeth, gums, and tongue, they will check for signs of oral cancer. Generally, the sooner cancer is identified, the better the prognosis, so be sure to make and keep those cleaning appointments. - They will be able to tell if your gums are receding.
Once your gums start receding, your teeth will become weaker. This receding of the gums is not visible to the naked eye for the most part, but a dentist can use a periodontal probe to literally take measurements. - You can get special treatment.
If you want whitening treatment, fluoride treatment, Invisalign, or other special procedure, your twice yearly dental exams are the perfect opportunities to discuss these options with the dentist or a hygienist. - Other illnesses can be identified.
Your mouth tells tales in more ways than one. A skilled dental team can see signs of other illnesses or diseases, such as diabetes, by examining your teeth and gums. The dentist would then likely advise you to see your primary care physician or specialist for further treatment.
Schedule a Dental Appointment
No matter how much you care for your teeth, sometimes minor decay is inevitable. During your routine dental exam, your dentist can take X-rays of your teeth to ensure that you don’t have cavities, fractures, or other dental issues that should be addressed. If you’re due for a dental exam, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
In the meantime, keep up the good work!