Life gets busy and keeping up with dental visits can fall to the wayside. Even as endodontists, we understand that getting to the dentist for regular cleanings and check-ups can be tricky. But trust us when we say that staying current with your oral exam appointments is worth taking the time out of a busy day every six months. Caring for your teeth and gums is important –– not just for your smile, but for your overall health! Gingivitis and other dental diseases have been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and strokes.

We’ve compiled a few of the top reasons to stay current with your dental exams, and why you should make every effort to visit your general dentist twice a year for an oral exam and cleaning.

Cancer Detection

The thought of developing oral cancer can be scary, but when detected early, oral cancer is treatable. Your general dentist is trained to look for signs of oral cancer, including using a special light inside the mouth to look for dead tissue that is caused by tumors. Keeping up with your dentist visits is especially important for smokers and nicotine users, as they are at an increased risk of oral cancer.

Gum Disease Prevention

Gum disease is when the buildup of plaque begins to irritate and infect the gum tissue. If left untreated, gingivitis can quickly lead to bone loss and the loss of the teeth. The good news is that the damage from gum disease can be reserved if caught early enough. Be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist if you have any signs of gum disease, including gums that are sore or bleed easily when you brush or floss, receding gums, or bad breath.

Oral Health Maintenance

During a dental exam, you’ll have a dental cleaning that will uncover hygiene-related problems. It’s especially important that kids have regular teeth cleanings as this is when their oral hygiene habits develop, and your dental team can detect inconsistencies early.

In addition to a cleaning, your dentist will also check your jaw or bite for abnormalities. Patients with an abnormal bite might experience chronic headaches and ear pain. Your dentist might recommend night guards, cortisone injections, bite adjustment, or orthodontics to resolve your pain.

Achieving a Healthy Smile

A healthy and beautiful smile goes a long way towards improving self-confidence. As you care for your teeth between dental exams, remember that brushing and flossing correctly is an important part of your at-home dental routine.

If you don’t remove plaque from your teeth thoroughly, you aren’t helping maintain your oral health. Your dentist and dental hygienist can offer tips on the best oral hygiene techniques for you. Visiting the dentist every six months is the best way to help you achieve your oral health goals and maintain the results.

With more and more research connecting oral health to physical health and heart problems, it’s more important than ever to focus on your dental health. In addition to at-home oral hygiene habits, regular dental cleanings will help keep your gums and teeth healthy, which will keep the rest of you healthy as well!

If it’s been awhile since your last oral exam, give your dentist a call to schedule an appointment. Your dental –– and overall –– health is worth it.

Here at Endodontic Specialists of Indiana, we believe that everyone deserves a healthy, beautiful smile. We understand that dental issues arise, which is why our team is always ready to restore your smile and relieve your pain. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and learn how we can help you!