It’s all too easy to put important things off—especially when it comes to our health. But the reality is, your six-month dental checkup is crucial to the overall health of not only your smile, but the rest of your body as well!
Keep reading for some important information about why you shouldn’t be skipping your checkups.
Your Dentist Can Clean Much Better Than You Can!
Even with the fanciest electric toothbrush on the market, you simply can’t clean as well as your dentist can. They have an arsenal of specialized tools at their disposal, and they know exactly what to look for. Things like plaque and tartar are not temporary guests in your mouth—they build up over time. That means even if you’re cleaning thoroughly, there could be one spot you consistently miss that’s chock full of plaque!
Plaque is really hard to detect if you aren’t a professional. It’s colorless, and tends to accumulate near your gums and in hard-to-reach places. The bacteria found in plaque can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and other oral health issues. Odds are you’ll notice the symptoms of these problems before you notice the plaque itself!
If the plaque in your mouth stays long enough, it will eventually turn into tartar. It’s yellow-ish brown in color—so you’ll notice it—but much harder to remove. Loss of teeth, receding gum lines, tooth decay, and gum disease are all possible consequences of tartar.
Think of your six-month dental checkup as a clean slate for your teeth. Getting rid of all the plaque and tartar buildup twice a year is essential to keeping your mouth happy and healthy.
Your Six-Month Dental Checkup Is More Than Just a Cleaning
While a thorough cleaning is important, it’s not the only benefit to your checkups. On average, dentists go through eight years of school to learn everything there is to learn about your mouth and teeth. They know exactly what to look for, when problems might arise, and how to treat them.
One of the most important parts of your six-month dental checkup is right there in the name—the checking up! Your dentist will perform a thorough examination of your teeth, and will be able to spot any potential problems. The more diligent you are about your checkups, the easier it will be for your dentist to catch issues before they become serious. For example, many signs and symptoms of gum disease don’t involve any pain. That means you could easily not notice the early signs until it’s too late.
Your six-munch dental checkup is also the perfect opportunity to ask your dentist some questions. Have you been thinking about getting your teeth whitened? You can ask your dentist about the best options! Not sure if you’re flossing correctly? They can show you the ideal technique.
If you’re experiencing any pain or discomfort, be sure to let your dentist know as soon as you can. Odds are there’s a simple fix! Just like with the rest of your body, it’s important to get your teeth checked out by a professional regularly.
Make an Appointment Today
If you’ve been putting off your six-month checkup, now’s the time to make an appointment! It won’t take long, and your mouth will thank you. Our team at LeCroy Dental is ready to make you feel as comfortable as possible, as well as provide professional and service-focused dental care. Get in touch with us today to make an appointment. We look forward to seeing you!