When was the last time you visited the dentist? If you've been putting it off for too long, you may want to reconsider. Healthy teeth aren't just good for your mouth, they're good for the rest of your body...and your mental wellbeing.

Here are some benefits of having regular dental checkups and why you don't want to skip it.

1. Your Regular Checkup Could Save Your Life 

Oral cancer is a serious disease that can be life-threatening if not detected soon enough. Without knowing the signs and symptoms, oral cancer can progress without you knowing you were ever at risk. For successful treatment, early detection is a critical factor. Your dentist is trained to identify the signs, make a diagnosis and may even start treatment in the early stages.

2. A Healthy Mouth Can Protect Your Overall Health 

Many people think that oral health is just about keeping your mouth healthy. However, everything is connected and research suggest that poor dental hygiene can lead to systemic diseases in the rest of your body. Periodontitis causes chronic low-grade inflammation and studies have shown that there is a significant amount of patients with periodontitis that also present with other systemic inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis, diabetes and heart disease. If you are pregnant, the oral bacteria that causes periodontitis can also penetrate into the bloodstream and potentially lead to premature labor and low-birth-weight babies.

Your regular dental checkup will help identify any oral issues you have looming that could spread and affect your overall health and wellbeing.

3. Checkups Help Identify Potential Problems...Before They Get Worse

During your dental checkup, your dentist will perform a thorough examination and check for problems like cavities. Catching these issues in their earlier stages, like tooth decay, will prove easier to treat and prevent you from having spontaneous pain or infection one day.

Having regular checkups can also help prevent gum disease, one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss. Check out our other blog post that goes into more detail about this!

4. Your Dentist Will Clean Your Teeth Better Than You Do

Yes, that's right. If you are committed to frequently brushing and flossing, keep up the good work! But even if you floss daily and brush after every meal, no one can clean your teeth like your dentist or dental hygienist. No matter how diligent you are with your oral care, there will still be areas that are missed between teeth and under the gum line.

In a professional cleaning, we use powered instruments and ultrasonic vibration to remove tartar. Hand instruments remove the calculus from enamel and the root surface. A regular dental cleaning will prevent plaque buildup that can ultimately lead to cavities or gum disease.

5. Healthy Teeth Boost Your Self Confidence

One of the results of a great smile is greater self-confidence. By keeping on top of your oral health, you'll prevent unattractive tooth issues like plaque buildup and stains. A cleaner mouth will also help keep bad breath/halitosis at bay, so you can be confident every time you open your mouth.

See your dentist regularly for checkups and to make sure your mouth is healthy, and you'll have something to smile about.

Have You Booked Your Dental Checkup Yet? 

These are just a few reasons your dental checkup is a critical part of your healthcare routine. In between checkups you should do your part with regular brushing, flossing, and use of mouthwash. So don't skip your regular visit to the dentist, your dental health is a critical part of maintaining your overall health and wellbeing and promoting a smile you're happy to show off!

Cypress Dental is here for your dental needs. Book your visit or have an online virtual consultation with us today so we can help you be on your way to a healthier mouth.