Do I really need to get dental checkups every six months?

Patients who think they can put off routine appointments with their dentists if they’re not having any issues should think again. Regular dental check-ups are tremendously important in preserving your oral health and your overall well-being.

Most oral diseases are more easily treated when they are diagnosed in their earliest stages. When the dentist has an opportunity to examine your teeth and gums every six months, it is easier to identify potentially problematic symptoms before they advance to the degree that warrants an invasive intervention.

Furthermore, oral bacteria still can build up in your mouth, even if you are diligent about brushing and flossing every day. Professional dental cleanings performed by hygienists in your dentist’s office help to clear away any plaque and tartar that remain. If that plaque and tartar continues to collect along the gumline, cavities and gum disease can result.

When you see your dentist every six months, you also get a chance to build an ongoing relationship with the professionals who care for your teeth. Not only does this mean that the staff will have an increased familiarity with your case, you’ll also be able to rely on knowledgeable dentists and hygienists in cases of dental emergency.

In some cases, semiannual dental exams can even save a patient’s life. In addition to examining your teeth for cavities and the soft tissues for signs of gum disease, the dentist also will look for evidence of unusual growths, which can be either benign or malignant. Oral cancer responds well to treatment if it is caught early, but unfortunately, many patients don’t realize they have the condition until it has spread elsewhere in the body. Regular visits to the dentist can help to reduce your chances of such an outcome.

If you’ve been tempted to delay visits to the dentist, don’t. Routine checkups and cleanings every six months are important measures for protecting your oral health. If it’s been more than six months since your last checkup, contact any of our skilled dentists serving the DFW area as you can to schedule an appointment.