The American Dental Association recommends that you visit the dentist every six months, but is that really necessary? The truth is that your dentist provides many important services that are necessary for good oral hygiene. Here are just a few things that happen at your dentist visit that can ensure healthy teeth and gums.

Dental Cleaning

At your appointment your dental hygienist will thoroughly clean your teeth, including areas that might be hard for you to reach on your own. This will clear out any plaque from between your teeth and under your gums to make sure there are no dental conditions such as tooth decay that could grow worse with time.

Thorough Dental Examination

Even if your teeth look and feel fine to you, your dentist has access to technology that can detect potential problems while they’re still in their early stages. Oral health issues such as periodontal disease can worsen very quickly and are hard to combat once they’ve advanced. Catching these problems early will cost you less money and cause you less pain in the long run.

Screen for Oral Cancer

One of the biggest part of regular dental visits is that your dentist will screen you for oral cancer. Cancer is a devastating disease that can spread before you even notice any symptoms, and oral cancer can happen to anyone—smoker or not. Your dentist will check your mouth for any signs of oral cancer so you can begin treatment immediately if needed.

While visiting the dentist on a regular basis might feel like a hassle, it’s well worth it for the benefits to your teeth in the long run. If you want to have a happy, healthy smile for life, be sure to factor regular dental visits into your long term plan.