Why You Should Visit the Dentist Regularly: Benefits Many People Overlook
Many people only see a dentist when they have a toothache, but regular dental checkups can prevent more serious damage. By visiting the dentist regularly, you not only maintain a healthy smile but also protect your overall health.
Teeth play an important role in the body. Without healthy, complete teeth, we can’t chew food properly, making digestion more difficult. Damaged or missing teeth can also affect the appearance of your smile.
Although people know the importance of oral health, many tend to delay care. Dental visits often happen only when pain, cavities, or tooth loss occurs. In fact, regular dental checkups can prevent bigger problems later on.
Routine dental visits are an essential part of preventive healthcare. They help identify potential oral problems and allow you to maintain good oral hygiene.
With regular checkups, issues can be detected early and treated before they become severe.
What happens during a dental checkup?
At each visit, your dentist will usually:
- examine your teeth, gums, and mouth,
- ask about your overall health and any dental issues you’ve experienced since your last visit,
- discuss your diet, smoking and alcohol habits, and oral hygiene routine,
- and recommend when you should schedule your next appointment.
How often should you go to the dentist?
After a checkup, your dentist will determine when you should return. This could be as soon as every 3 months or as long as every 2 years, depending on your dental health.
- People with good oral health may only need a checkup every 12–24 months.
- Those at higher risk for dental problems may require more frequent visits.
The benefits of regular dental visits
1. Keeping teeth clean
Even if you brush twice a day for two minutes and floss daily, you still need professional cleanings. Dentists or hygienists can remove plaque and tartar that a toothbrush can’t reach.
If left untreated, plaque hardens into tartar, which can cause cavities and gum disease. Professional cleanings prevent these issues before they worsen.
2. Detecting problems early
Routine exams allow dentists to spot small cavities, gum disease, or even early signs of oral cancer. Early detection makes treatment easier, faster, and more affordable.
3. Identifying signs of systemic diseases
Oral health is closely linked to overall health. Untreated gum infections can spread through the bloodstream, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Caring for your teeth also helps protect other vital organs.
Dental checkups vs. dental cleanings: what’s the difference?
Many people think dental checkups and cleanings are the same, but they serve different purposes and both are important for oral health.
Dental checkup
A checkup is when your dentist thoroughly examines your teeth, gums, and jaw. The goal is to detect problems early so they can be prevented or treated quickly.
During an exam, your dentist may identify cavities, gum disease, or even more serious conditions such as oral cancer or autoimmune diseases affecting the mouth.
Dental cleaning
A cleaning focuses on removing plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing alone can’t handle. Plaque buildup can cause bad breath, cavities, and gum disease.
The process usually involves scaling, and in more advanced cases, deep cleaning (root planning). Cleanings are aimed at maintaining oral hygiene and preventing future issues.
In short, dental checkups assess the overall condition of your oral health, while dental cleanings keep your mouth clean and healthy. Both go hand-in-hand, and regular visits are strongly recommended.
Don’t wait until tooth pain strikes! Book your routine dental checkup today at GWS Medika Clinic, a trusted healthcare clinic in Jakarta, and enjoy a healthier, longer-lasting smile.
