When it comes to your to-do list, there are some things that are non-negotiable, like paying your utility bills, doing laundry and going to the grocery store. But there are other things that you can decide not to do, like go to the gym or wash the car. Another classic to-do item that many people neglect is seeing a dentist in Covina every six months. For some people, it’s simply not their favorite thing to do, while others think that the only purpose is to make sure they don’t have cavities. The truth is that there are a lot of other important benefits that you get from your checkups and cleanings! Below you’ll learn about the top 5 and why you won’t want to miss another checkup.
Removes Plaque and Tartar
This one is no surprise, but it’s important to note that you can’t remove tartar at home on your own, no matter how good your brushing and flossing is. Tartar is a hard, cement-like deposit that keeps the gums chronically inflamed and contribute to both gum disease and bad breath.
Saves You Money Down the Road
You can think of regular dental care like a tune-up for your car. It’s an opportunity to find problems when they’re small and easier to fix, which saves you from a larger bill later on.
For example, in many cases, patients don’t feel cavities until they’ve gotten larger and have damaged more of the tooth structure. At that point, they require more extensive treatment to fix, so it’s really helpful to find them when they’re still small.
Helps Your Smile Shine It’s Brightest
In addition to removing plaque and tartar, a hygienist has special tools to remove the stain that you can’t remove at home, which helps your smile look great!
Maintains the Health of Your Gums
Many people only focus on the health of their teeth, but the gums are just as important because they support the teeth and keep them in place! In severe, advanced stages of gum disease, the teeth can become loose and fall out – even if they’ve never had a cavity.
Fortunately, gum disease can be managed and treated, but the first step is determining if you have this condition, which involves a gum examination. This is usually done at every other checkup or once a year.
Prevents Cavities
In addition to catching small cavities that you don’t feel yet, six-month checkups help to prevent cavities as well. This is because dentists and hygienists can give you feedback about how you’re doing with hygiene and point out any dietary pitfalls that might be causing decay.
They can also apply fluoride varnishes that put mineral back into the enamel, making it tough, strong, and resistant to cavities.
Remember, when it comes to your oral health, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
About the Author
Dr. Danny Tran is a Southern California native who has dentistry in his DNA. With multiple other family members in the dental field, he’s had a lifelong interest in helping others achieve a great smile. He knows that regular checkups and cleanings are the foundation of good oral health, so he always encourages his patients to come in regularly. If you have any questions, he can be reached via his website or at (626) 331-0688.