Why You Shouldn't Skip Bi-Annual Dental Checkups

Be honest: There’s probably been at least one time that you’ve been tempted to skip your regular six-month dental checkup. After all, if you’re not having any symptoms, why take time out of your busy schedule to see the dentist?

The fact is, those twice-yearly exams are probably a big reason why you’re not having oral health problems. Skipping a visit increases your risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and other issues that can require an emergency dental visit and take a lot longer to resolve.

Timothy Tomase, DDS, and the team at Tomase Dental Care in Toledo, Ohio, help patients enjoy optimal oral health at every age with comprehensive twice-yearly checkups and cleanings. In this post, learn seven reasons why it’s important to stick to that six-month schedule to maintain your oral health now and in the future.

1. Preventing cavities and gum disease

Cavities and gum disease are extremely common. In fact, almost half of those aged 30 or over have gum disease in some form. Both cavities and gum disease can lead to tooth loss or deep, widespread infections if not caught early. Regular dental exams not only diagnose these issues early, but they also can even prevent them.

2. Diagnosing problems early

Speaking of early diagnosis, some oral health problems cause few or even no noticeable symptoms in their early stages. For instance, tiny fissures from grinding or chewing may be undetectable initially, but they still provide an entry point for bacteria. Regular visits allow us to identify these problems in their earliest stages, so they can be treated before serious problems develop.

3. Deep cleaning

No matter how well you brush and floss, you’re bound to have some plaque and tartar left behind. During your visit, our team uses special instruments to deep-clean your teeth, getting rid of hard tartar deposits and the bacteria they harbor.

4. Oral cancer screening

During your visit, we’ll screen for subtle signs of oral cancer. If we notice anything abnormal, we’ll take a small sample for analysis in a lab. Early intervention is essential, and regular dental visits are the best way to make sure you’re being screened regularly.

5. Fresher breath

Garlic, coffee, and other foods and drinks can cause temporary bad breath that can be remedied with brushing and flossing. But chronic bad breath can be linked with dry mouth, deep infections, cavities, or even bacteria-filled tartar. Regular checkups help identify the cause of chronic bad breath so it can be treated.

6. More dazzling smiles

During your visit, our team gently polishes your teeth using mild abrasives. Regular cleanings help eliminate superficial tooth stains so your smile looks healthier.

7. Better overall health

Some oral health problems, like gum disease, can take a toll on your overall wellness. Left untreated, gum disease and other infections can spread to your bones or your bloodstream, where germs can be carried to other parts of your body, increasing your risk of serious health problems, like heart disease, pneumonia, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease.

8. Cost savings in the future

Like any health issue, dental problems tend to become worse over time — and that means you’ll need more costly interventions to fix them. Diagnosing problems early means treatment is typically a lot less complex and a lot more budget-friendly.

9. It’s just two hours

Most dental checkups take about an hour. With twice-yearly visits, you’re only taking two hours out of your regular schedule to provide yourself with a lifetime of health benefits. That’s a very small investment for potentially huge rewards.

Having bi-annual checkups is one of the best things you can do for your smile and your oral health. To schedule your next checkup, call 419-670-6537 today, or book an appointment online at Tomase Dental Care.