7 BENEFITS OF REGULAR DENTAL VISITS

7 BENEFITS OF REGULAR DENTAL VISITS

At Sterling Dental Center, we place a heavy emphasis on the importance of regular dental visits. Here are seven reasons you should schedule regular dental checkups.

1- PLAQUE BUILDUP

Plaque is a sticky substance made up of bacteria and food particles that covers the surface of your teeth. Over time plaque can buildup and turn into tartar. While regular brushing and flossing can break down plaque and prevent tartar buildup, there are still some hard to reach places that require a professional. During your checkup we will make sure your tooth enamel is free from plaque and tartar before you get cavities.

2- MOUTH IMAGING

When you go to the dentist, you can get regular x-rays. X-rays show if you have impacted wisdom teeth or if you need a root canal. It is entirely possible to have tooth problems that do not display any symptoms; regular x-rays can help detect these issues. With an x-ray you can tell if your teeth are shifting or if you have jaw problems.

3- CAVITIES

Regular dental checkups can help prevent cavities, which often form quickly. Getting regular checkups will keep cavities in check and prevent the need for fillings later on.

4- PREVENTION

One of the most important reasons to maintain your dental health is to prevent mouth and teeth issues down the road. During regular checkups, we not only do a cleaning, but we check for cavities and other issues. Its easiest to treat cavities before they become cavities. Tooth decay is treated best when it is caught early. If you wait too long, it could lead to an infection or a tooth extraction.

5- OVERALL HEALTH

Oral health can be an indicator of your overall health. If you don’t take care of your mouth and teeth, you may not be taking care of the rest of your body. In fact, a lack of dental hygiene can lead to diseases like heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and endocarditis. In some cases, it can even contribute to fertility issues. In addition to regular dental checkups, make sure you are getting annual physicals.

6- DENTAL BENEFITS

If you have dental insurance, you should be using it! Every year, millions in dental insurance coverage goes unused. Most dental policies cover two regular cleanings a year. Look into your benefits and make sure to take advantage each year before you lose your coverage.

7- ORAL CANCER

At each visit, we will screen you for signs of oral cancer. As with other types of cancer, the earlier you detect oral cancer, the better. By getting regular checkups, you can increase the chances of catching it early. We can also help you figure out what you can do to prevent cancer, like avoiding tobacco products.

Call Sterling Dental Center today if you live in the Northern VA areaand are overdue for a checkup. Don’t wait until you start having symptoms to take care of your teeth!