Regular, biannual visits to the dentist are crucial for maintaining your oral and overall health. The dentist isn’t just cleaning your teeth — they're also examining your mouth for various other conditions, too. Here are a few reasons why it’s important to visit your family dentist every six months.

Why You Need to Visit the Dentist Every Six Months

1. Remove Plaque

Even if you brush and floss twice a day, plaque can still accumulate on your teeth. Your family dentist will be able to do a thorough cleaning to eliminate plaque buildup and prevent it from turning into tartar. Tartar, or an excessive buildup of plaque, will lead to cavities in your teeth over time. Regular cleanings can help you get ahead of or even avoid these problems.

2. Prevent Gum Disease

As plaque and tartar build-up near and under your gum line, it can lead to gum disease. Tartar can cause an infection where your gums begin to pull away from your teeth, slowly exposing more and more of the tooth. When gum tissue starts to break down, it becomes gum disease, which is extremely painful and requires more trips to the dentist. You even risk losing some teeth depending on the severity of the disease. With biannual cleanings, your dentist will be able to remove tartar buildup and catch any symptoms of gum disease before it causes any damage to your smile.

3. Recognize Signs of Oral Cancer

It can be difficult to recognize the signs of oral cancer without the help of your family dentist. These types of cancer can spread fast and are life-threatening if they aren’t caught early. Dentists are trained to identify early symptoms, such as decaying tissue and other oral abnormalities, with a thorough exam and routine x-rays. Two check-ups a year won’t just save your teeth; they could save your life.

4. Receive Regular X-rays

X-rays don’t just help identify the early stages of oral cancer. They are a helpful tool in discovering any issues underneath the surface, such as impacted teeth, bone decay, and cysts. These issues are practically impossible for a dentist to find without an X-ray, so they are just as important as the cleaning.

If you’re looking for a friendly family dentist who is focused on your health and comfort, turn to Tri-State Dental Care in Fort Wright, KY. Serving patients from Cincinnati to Northern Kentucky to Southeast Indiana, their dental team is here to provide excellent dental care. Visit them online to learn more about their general dentistry services. To schedule an appointment, call (859) 426-2790.