You’ve probably heard your whole life that you should visit the dentist at least twice a year for routine checkups and cleanings; and this is certainly true! However, have you ever mulled over why this might be? There are several good reasons for preventive dentistry, and among them is early detection. Simply put, these visits allow your dentist to stay ahead of oral health issues before they have the chance to worsen and cause long-term harm to your smile. Here’s what you need to know.
Why Early Detection Matters
In the world of dentistry, early detection is absolutely paramount. Of all the different types of dental problems out there, many of them share one thing in common – they worsen over time if they aren’t treated! This means that even the smallest cavity, the slightest chip, or even the subtlest hint of gum disease could potentially threaten your smile’s entire wellness.
Dentists know this, which is why they heavily encourage all of their patients to visit them every six months. These experts have the skills and the means, often in the form of advanced techniques and technology, to identify practically every type of dental issue under the sun, including all the ones you can’t identify or might not even know exist.
Of course, early detection also has one other benefit – it saves you money in the long run! The cost of treating a small, lesser problem will always be cheaper than dealing with extensive dental work.
It’s Also Up to You to Brush at Home
Even though your dentist is the expert, you’re only at their office two or so times each year – meaning the rest of the time, it falls on you to take care of your smile and keep an eye on things. This means brushing and flossing twice each day, and it also helps to supplement your regimen with an antibacterial mouthwash. Protecting your smile if you play sports is important as well, as a mouthguard can prevent serious injury. Avoiding bad dental habits goes a long way, too; if you can, refrain from smoking or using tobacco, or using your teeth as tools.
Doing all of these things consistently will drastically lower your chances of a dental problem developing – and while it won’t totally prevent every single issue, if you’re seeing your dentist twice a year, they’ll be able to catch anything that slips through the cracks and get your smile back on track!
About the Practice
The team here at Dudley Family Dental has proudly served the dental needs of the Dudley, MA community for several years, offering a wide range of preventive, restorative, cosmetic, emergency, and various other types of services. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to schedule an appointment for yourself or a family member, visit us online or call us today for assistance! Telephone: (508) 943-7001.