Your dentist gives you important feedback on how well you are maintaining your teeth and gums during routine dental checkups. A thorough examination of your teeth will be conducted to see how well you brush and floss. Your dentist can offer suggestions on how to improve your technique and your overall oral hygiene.
By regularly examining your teeth, your dentist can discover dental problems before they become serious. He can determine if your teeth require any preventative or corrective measures such as fillings or cleaning. A minor condition such as plaque or tartar buildup can be addressed before it progresses into a more serious dental condition such as periodontitis.
Serious dental conditions are much more costly to treat than small dental procedures. By having regular dental checkups, you can save money by treating small problems before they grow. A basic checkup and dental cleaning can be inexpensive, or it can even be completely covered by your dental insurance plan. Ignoring a routine checkup turns a relatively inexpensive and painless procedure, such having a cavity filled, into an expensive and painful procedure such as a root canal.
Regular dental checkups can do more than just save your teeth. They can also save your life. According to the National Cancer Institute, 21,000 men and 9,000 women are diagnosed with oral cancer each year in the United States. Warning signs of oral cancer can be difficult or impossible for you to detect. Ulcers, bumps or spots can be so subtle and painless that you may not know you have cancer. If discovered early, oral cancer is treatable. Your dentist is trained to look for early signs of oral cancer and will do so during every regular dental checkup.
Regular dental checkups can help prevent other health conditions, as well. A recent study found that people with poor oral health habits had a 70 percent better chance of developing heart problems than those who maintained good oral health.
You should schedule a checkup with your dentist every six months for optimum oral and general health. The next time you get a checkup reminder, be sure to keep the appointment.
