Although the every-six-months recommendation to go to your dentist may not be an exciting appointment for you, you must keep it to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile. Visiting your Skokie, IL dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings is essential to prevent the onset of issues, detect developing problems and create treatment plans when serious problems are discovered. The following are reasons you should visit your dentist every six months:

Prevent Tooth Decay

When plaque is left to form around your teeth and below the gum line, it may cause inflammation, bad breath, and dental cavities. These issues can later lead to tooth decay. When plaque sticks to the teeth, it turns into tartar, stains your teeth, and eats away at the tooth enamel.

Your regular dental cleaning and checkup can spot tooth decay and offer you the essential treatment and measures for preventing the condition from becoming worse. When you skip out on your dental visit, the buildup of plaque combined with poor oral hygiene habits can cause the development of infections and bacteria in your mouth. When left not treated, you could suffer from tooth loss.

Prevent Gum Disease

When you do not maintain proper dental hygiene, you can have gingivitis, which is a gum disease at an early stage. This condition can cause gum swelling, irritation, and redness. Puffy and swollen gums that tend to bleed easily may have gingivitis. When gingivitis is not treated promptly, it can become periodontitis, which can result in bone loss and tooth loss.

Skokie, IL dentist

During your regular dental examination, your dentist will check for gum disease. When your dentist discovers this condition, they will treat the problem and tell you what to do next.

Prevent Damage to Your Root Canals and Nerve

Regular dental visits can help address tooth decay and cavities early on. As a result, a root canal treatment won’t be necessary. Your dentist may give you dental sealant to ensure your teeth are protected from tooth decay. Also, they may advise you on how to keep a die that is friendly for your teeth.

Detect Invisible Problems Early Through Dental X-rays

 When you visit your dentist regularly, they will request teeth and jaw X-rays so they can see what’s happening under the surface. Dental X-rays can help your dentist determine problems that the naked eye cannot see, such as bone loss, impacted teeth, tumors, and cysts. Discovering oral problems early on allows your dentist to develop the right treatment plan and prevent further destruction to your teeth.