How Do Dental Checkups Impact Your Oral Health?

Your oral health is way more important than you may realize. Did you know that the condition of your mouth, gums, and teeth can affect your overall physical health as well? Keep reading to learn more about why dental checkups are important and how they impact your overall health. 

Importance of Dental Checkups

Most of us ignore our general health until we fall ill. The same goes for our oral health. We only visit the doctor when we have a toothache or have some injury. 

Regular dental checkups are important because they help you prevent more serious oral health issues and save time and money in the long run. They also help you prevent the bacteria in your mouth from entering the bloodstream and affecting other parts of the body.

Two of the most common issues you may incur if you skip your regular dental checkups are:

Gum Disease

Plaque buildup can cause gum inflammation over time, which in turn creates pockets under the gum line. As these pockets get filled with bacteria, the bone that supports the teeth erodes. This can result in tooth loss. 

Tooth Pain

If you skip your regular dental checkups, you won’t know you have cavities until they’ve progressed. Untreated cavities can cause pain and discomfort and may lead to infections that have to be treated with a root canal.

Regular visits to the dentist decrease your risk of developing serious oral health problems and also help you maintain your overall health. 

Checkups Are Cost-Effective

Visiting your dentist every six months should be part of your routine. Regular checkups keep your teeth and gums in good condition and save you time and money you will otherwise spend on more complex and costly treatments like gum surgery, crowns, or tooth replacements.

You may not be able to anticipate a sudden accident or injury. But, you can definitely take care of a growing concern before it gets worse. You should always keep in mind the proverb “Prevention is better than cure.” 

How Often Should You Visit the Dentist for a Checkup?

Both adults and children should visit the dentist regularly, and a visit once at least every six is recommended. For expert advice on how often you should visit the dentist, consult your doctor. 

Dr. David Powell, DDS, at All Care Dentistry offers advanced dental procedures, treatments, and regular checkups. For more details or an appointment request, call us at (801) 266-1414 or visit our dental clinic at 6065 S Fashion Blvd # 275, Murray, Salt Lake City, UT 84107.