Going to the dentist can seem like an inconvenient hassle, and many people believe that their regular efforts to brush and floss their teeth eliminate the need to visit a dentist. It is true that regular brushing and flossing at least twice per day can help you to keep your teeth and gums healthy. However, regular dental visits provide you with benefits that you cannot enjoy through your own daily hygiene steps at home. For superior oral health, your own at-home efforts must be combined with periodic hygiene exams. These are some of the important reasons why you need to schedule professional dental exams two times per year.

Removal of Tartar

Most people will not remove all plaque through their own brushing and flossing activities. When plaque is not removed regularly, it turns into tartar. Tartar is a hard and damaging substance that cannot be removed through brushing. A professional must remove tartar through specialized cleaning methods. Keep in mind that tartar must be removed to prevent cavities, gum disease, tooth loss and other serious oral health issues. The longer you go without a proper dental exam, the worse the build-up and resulting consequences will be.

Identification of Cavities and Gum Disease

Some people believe that regular oral hygiene steps at home completely eliminate the risk of cavities and gum disease. Be aware that cavities can develop when you miss even a small area while brushing or flossing. In addition, gum disease can also be caused by issues other than hygiene, like smoking cigarettes. Identifying these conditions early is essential. Consider that a small cavity that could be filled today may develop into such extensive damage that one or more teeth must be permanently removed. Early detection and treatment are crucial.

Review for Serious Health Conditions

Your dental professional may also identify many other issues that you may not be aware of. For example, some dentists have identified signs of oral cancer through an exam when patients had not yet noticed symptoms. By the time many patients identify worrisome symptoms for serious oral health conditions, it may be too late to enjoy a positive outcome. Early treatment for this and other serious conditions can be essential for your long-term health and well-being.

Most people do not necessarily enjoy visiting the dentist, but the right dental office can make the experience more enjoyable and less hectic for you. If you have not had a dental cleaning and exam within the last six months, now is a great time to make an appointment with a reputable dental office.