Visits to the dentist office may not be your favourite thing in the world, and no one would blame you for wanting to spend your time elsewhere. Maybe going to the dentist is anxiety-inducing for you because of all the drills, needles, and loud tools. However, getting a regular dental checkup is important for many reasons.
Here is why you need regular dental checkups:
- To remove plaque and tartar– Even if you are extremely diligent about brushing your teeth and flossing, there may be spots where you have difficulty removing plaque. Luckily, a dental hygienist knows what to look for and how to remove it. In addition, they can remove tartar, which is the hardened substance that forms when plaque isn’t removed. You can’t remove tartar yourself, so to prevent it from causing tooth decay or gum disease, you need a professional to use specialized tools.
- To identify signs of oral cancer or gum disease– One benefit of a dental checkup is that your dentist can alert you about any signs of oral cancer, gum disease, or other problems that could become very serious if they are left untreated. Regular checkups give you a better chance of spotting these problems early before they worsen.
- To get educated about proper oral care– When you are at a dental checkup, you get professional instructions that will help you take better care of your teeth. If you listen to and implement your dentist’s advice, you not only improve your dental health, but also your overall health.