About 3.5 billion people worldwide struggle with oral disease, which poses a major health burden in many countries. In fact, untreated tooth decay in permanent teeth is now the most common health condition worldwide. Scheduling a routine dental check-up can help you avoid tooth decay, gum disease, and more.

On the fence about visiting your dentist every six months? Here are seven benefits of scheduling a regular dental check-up.

After reading this guide, you can make a more informed choice for yourself and  your family. Discover the benefits of a regular dental check today!

1. Dodge Decay

Over 13% of children between the ages of 5 and 19 have untreated cavities. Meanwhile, 25.9% of adults between the ages of 22 to 44 have untreated cavities.

While only 63% of adults have visited a dentist in the past year, nearly 87% of children have had a regular dental check-up in that time. Visiting your dentist for routine cleanings can help you avoid tooth decay.

Your dental hygienist and dentist can identify signs that you’re at risk for tooth decay. With their help, you can prevent decay before it develops. Otherwise, plaque and tartar can begin building up against your teeth over time.

Plaque is a clear, tacky substance that can cling onto or between your teeth between brushings. Brushing and flossing daily can keep plaque from building up against your teeth. Otherwise, plaque will eventually harden into tartar.

You can’t remove tartar from your teeth alone. Instead, you’ll need to schedule a routine dental check-up. Your hygienist and dentist can use professional tools to clear the tartar away.

In between check-ups, keep an eye out for signs of cavity formation, including:

• Toothaches
• Pain when you bite down
• Brown, black, or white staining on the surface of a tooth
• Mild or sharp pain when eating or drinking hot, cold, or sweet substances
• Tooth sensitivity
• Visible holes or pits in your teeth

If you experience any of these symptoms, schedule a dental appointment right away.

Your dentist can also provide preventative tips to help you avoid oral health issues from developing in the future. Learning how to avoid those problems could help you save time, money, and stress in the long run.

2. Screen for Cancer

Routine appointments will also allow you to screen for oral cancer. Every year, close to 54,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer, leading to 9,750 deaths.

Let your dentist know if you experience:

• Soreness at the back of the throat
• Swelling, lumps, or bumps in the mouth
• Bleeding in the mouth
• Weight loss
• Ear pain
• A change in how your teeth fit together
• A change in your voice
• Sore throats
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking
• White, speckled, or red patches in the mouth

Regular screening can give you peace of mind. It can also ensure you receive an early diagnosis, allowing you to begin treatment right away.

3. Avoid Gingivitis

When left unattended, plaque and tartar can build against or between your teeth. Plaque and tartar also allow bacteria to spread throughout your gums. When bacteria have the chance to thrive, gingivitis can develop.

Gingivitis, or gum disease, can cause:

• Receding gums
• Bleeding or tender gums
• Pain when chewing
• Sensitivity
• Loose teeth
• Unrelenting bad breath

Let your dentist know if you begin experiencing these symptoms right away. Scheduling a regular dental check-up will allow your dentist to catch gum disease in its initial stages. Otherwise, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, the advanced form of gum disease.

When left untreated, the infection will affect the bone beneath your gum line, increasing the risk that you’ll lose teeth. The infection can also increase your risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and osteoporosis.

If you have gum disease, you’ll need to visit your dentist for a deep cleaning. They’ll use special tools to treat gum disease beneath the gum line.

4. Fresh Breath

The benefits of regular dental check-ups can extend to your day-to-day life. For example, perhaps you struggle with bad breath. Remember, unrelenting bad breath is sometimes a sign of gum disease.

Regular check-ups will help you recognize what’s causing your bad breath, allowing you to treat the problem at the source.

Otherwise, bad breath can impact your social life. You might even feel uncomfortable in social situations, affecting your self-confidence.

5. Bright Smiles

Allowing bacteria, plaque, and tartar to develop can also affect the appearance of your smile. For example, your teeth could start looking yellow or dull. Smoking, coffee, wine, and other daily habits can cause discoloration over time.

Recognizing the importance of a dental check-up can help you keep your teeth white and shining.

For example, your dentist might recommend a professional teeth whitening treatment to brighten your smile. Improving the appearance of your smile can boost your self-confidence.

Your dentist might recommend cosmetic treatments as well to improve crooked teeth, gaps, or other concerns.

6. Thorough Cleaning

Sometimes, brushing and flossing your teeth isn’t enough to improve your smile. Your dentist and hygienist can use professional-grade tools to improve your oral health. A routine dental check-up will keep bacteria and plaque from developing over time.

The professional-grade tools your dental team uses can ensure a more thorough cleaning. They can supplement your oral hygiene routine to ensure your smile is clean and healthy.

7. Recognize Mistakes

Making a few small mistakes with your oral hygiene routine can cause problems over time. You might not recognize you’re making those mistakes without help. Consulting your dental team can help you recognize ways you can improve your smile.

For example, your dentist might recommend toothpaste with fluoride to brighten your smile and minimize plaque development. They can also recommend professional treatments based on your needs and goals.

With help, you can improve your smile and avoid making mistakes that can impact your oral health.

Stunning Smiles: Schedule Your Next Dental Check-Up Today

Don’t neglect your oral health this year. Instead, schedule your next dental check-up! With routine appointments, you can keep your smile healthy, clean, and bright.

Experience these benefits of regular dental check-ups today!

Eager to get started? We’re here to help!

Contact us today to schedule your next check-up.