Sometimes going to the dentist – even just the thought of the dentist – makes us cringe and avoid it at all costs, but going to the dentist is part of ensuring your teeth stay healthy and brilliant for as long as possible. Even if you don’t actually enjoy going to the dentist, after reading these benefits of regular dental checkups you’ll likely find yourself making those appointments on a regular basis.

Early Detection

When you go for a check up at your dentist, they will do a complete oral exam, which checks for cavities and gum disease. During this time, your dentist and hygienist will identify any areas that might be an issue going forward and help fix it before it becomes a big, painful problem.

Prevention

Contrary to many myths out there, dentists aren’t just about filling in cavities or performing root canals. One of the lesser known parts of their job is helping patients with the prevention of major dental issues. They can teach you about proper flossing techniques, what kind of toothbrush to use, preferred toothpaste and so much more. If you could prevent major dental issues with a one-hour appointment a couple times a year, wouldn’t you do this?

Total Examination

During your routine check up, your dentist will not only check your teeth but also your head, neck and jaw. These checks are done to see if there’s any unusual swelling or alignment that they can help with.

A Brighter Smile

Ever notice how your teeth look brilliant after you’ve just been in for a check up and cleaning? This isn’t an accident; your dental team will scale and polish your teeth so they look their brightest. As you eat and drink between check ups, you could be eating things that will stain or discolour your teeth so they look less white over time. Your dental team will do what they can to remove these stains and make your teeth look their absolute best.

Education

You might have questions about your oral health, and there’s so much information out there that you might feel overwhelmed and not sure which answer is right. Your dentists are professionals so they know what’s best for the overall health of your mouth and longevity of your teeth. Regular check ups give you a chance to ask any questions or bring up concerns you might have. If there’s an issue your dentist needs to look at they can do so before the problem becomes a nuisance.

It is recommended you have a full dental check up at least once a year, but preferably twice. The earlier you detect an issue or problem, the less painful it will be to ensure it doesn’t get any bigger. Your dentist wants the best for your teeth, and is there to ensure you have the healthiest mouth possible!