The Importance of Regular Dental Checkups & Why You Shouldn’t Skip Them

How long has it been since your last dental checkup? If more than six months have passed since you last visited the dentist, it’s probably time to schedule an appointment. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), the optimal frequency of dental checkups will vary from one person to another—while dentists often recommend that patients receive professional cleanings twice each year, some individuals will need to attend visits more often (a dentist can recommend a customized care regimen based on your specific condition). Below are just a few reasons why you’ll want to keep up with regular dental exams.

1. Routine Dental Visits Can Safeguard Your Teeth, Gums & Jawbone

During a regular dental checkup, your dentist will inspect your mouth for signs of cavities, periodontal (gum) disease, oral cancer, and other issues. If conditions like these are left untreated, they can worsen and lead to increased pain, tooth loss, and other serious complications. But if your dentist is able to catch an issue while it’s still in its early stages, they’ll have a better chance of successfully treating it before it becomes a severe problem. Plus, even if you keep up with brushing and flossing at home, your dentist can use special tools to access hard-to-reach plaque and tartar, thereby reducing your risk of tooth decay.

2. Regular Dental Checkups Can Improve Your Mental Health

According to scientific studies published by NBC News, smiling can trigger your brain to release hormones like dopamine and serotonin, thereby boosting your mood, reducing your stress, and lowering your risk of depression. Unfortunately, if you’re not pleased with your teeth or gums, you may be less likely to smile. Attending professional cleanings on a regular basis can brighten and whiten your smile, raising your confidence and inspiring you to show off your teeth more often.

3. Routine Dental Exams Can Protect Your Overall Health & Well-Being

Many people assume that periodontal disease only affects the teeth and gums, but that’s actually not the case. When the gums become inflamed, it causes the immune system to activate white blood cells that circulate through the bloodstream to the rest of the body. This can increase the risk of experiencing:

• COVID-19 complications
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Irritable bowel disease (IBD)
• Strokes

Regularly undergoing dental exams makes it easier for your dentist to catch periodontal disease in its early stages and administer any necessary treatments, thereby reducing your chances of developing issues like the ones listed above.

Schedule Your Next Dental Checkup

Now that you’ve explored the many benefits of dental checkups, the next step will be finding a reputable dentist near you. Fortunately, if you’re in the Greater Merrimack Valley, you can entrust your care to the professionals at Smiles by Stylos Dental Health & Sleep Center. We’ve been treating patients since 1987, and in addition to dental checkups, we offer a wide range of general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, and sleep services. Contact us today to learn more about our practice and schedule a checkup at a date and time that’s convenient for you—our Chelmsford, Massachusetts, office is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.