7 Benefits of Regular Dental Checkups and Cleanings

When it comes to necessary checkups, we know that a trip to the dentist isn’t necessarily everyone’s favorite. However, regularly visiting your dentist has multiple benefits.

1. They Help Your Overall Health

Did you know that oral health is closely linked to overall health? Regular dental cleanings take care of your whole body, not just your mouth.

For example, gum disease can be connected to diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and strokes, which is why your dentist will look for gum disease at every checkup. They’ll also check for symptoms of cavities, dry mouth, and oral cancer, which can all affect your health and overall well-being if they go undiagnosed and untreated.

2. They Catch Issues Early

Depending on the severity, or lack thereof, symptoms of issues such as gingivitis, tooth decay, and more can go unnoticed to the regular eye if they’re mild enough. However, regular preventative checkups help ensure that these issues are both caught and treated as early as possible. The earlier they’re caught, the less painful and expensive they are in the long run.

3. They Prevent Tooth Loss

By ensuring you get regular cleanings, you’re helping yourself prevent gum disease and tooth decay, both of which can further lead to tooth loss. For instance, if gingivitis goes untreated, it can destroy both the gum and bone throughout your mouth and essentially ruin the anchor and support systems of your teeth.

4. They Introduce Good Oral Hygiene Practices 

Regular dental checkups with your family dentist can teach children the importance of taking care of their teeth and good oral hygiene. Your dentist will help your child learn proper brushing and flossing techniques while also teaching the importance of these habits.

By having your child visit the dentist regularly, it will help them develop a positive outlook and attitude toward oral care and dental checkups.

5. They Help Treat Bad Breath

Halitosis can be caused by a number of things, but chronic cases can be evaluated during a general checkup at the dentist. By regularly going to the dentist, you can pinpoint the odor and find ways to fix it.

6. They Give You Peace of Mind 

No one wants to experience dental pain or issues, and if they’re left untreated, they can lead to very serious issues. However, by routinely visiting the dentist, they’ll be able to recognize any problems in your mouth, properly diagnose these problems and help you with a treatment plan. By talking through these issues with your dentist, you’ll be able to have peace of mind that they’re getting treated properly.

7. They Clean Your Teeth Professionally

All in all, one of the main benefits of regularly getting your teeth cleaned is the fact that they’re getting cleaned by a professional! Plaque and tartar cannot be removed by just brushing and flossing, so it’s best to visit your dentist at least twice a year to ensure that you don’t experience a buildup of either.

Looking to have your teeth cleaned by the best dentist in Lancaster, PA? Then come visit Smiles by Stevens! We work hard to provide you with the best dental services possible.

Contact us today to create a confident and healthy smile!