4 Benefits of Regular General Dentistry Visits

Regular general dentistry visits are a great way to keep your teeth healthy, clean, and looking great. General dentists encourage check-up and cleaning visits every four to six months and any additional visits needed for cosmetic or restorative treatment. Read on to learn more about the benefits of regular dental appointments.

Four advantages of getting regular general dentistry visits

By learning more about the benefits of regular general dentistry visits, you can better understand the importance of doing so. The most notable benefits of regular general dentistry visits are preventing cavities, bad periodontal health, and halitosis (bad breath). Regular general dentistry visits can also help you improve your smile.

1. Preventing cavities

The primary purpose of regular general dentistry visits is to reduce the overall risk of oral health concerns. Perhaps the most common reason patients need restorative care is dental cavities; they can form due to plaque and tartar build-up that is not removed. Regular cleanings with a general dentist seek to remove plaque and tartar build-up on teeth and along the gum line to reduce the risk of cavities and other concerns.

2. Preventing bad periodontal health

Regular dental visits also address periodontal concerns. Regular teeth cleanings clean along the gum line to remove plaque and bacteria. This can reduce the risk of periodontal disease and help keep gums and the underlying jawbone healthy. General dentists also check for signs of periodontal disease during each visit, which allows for early treatment to ensure no symptoms worsen into a more severe form of gum disease (known as periodontitis).

3. Preventing bad breath

One benefit of regular general dentistry visits is fresh breath. Unfortunately, many people assume that regular check-ups and cleaning visits are not important as they do not appear to affect their daily life. Therefore, they only visit when there is a noticeable problem with their oral health or the appearance of their smile. However, a condition known as halitosis (bad breath) develops when plaque and tartar build up on the surface of teeth. A dental cleaning can remove the plaque and tartar (which contains foul-smelling bacteria) to improve the patient’s breath.

4. An improved smile

Lastly, regular general dentistry visits can improve the patient’s smile as well. Most notably, this is accomplished by removing plaque and tartar build-up on teeth and along the gum line. Otherwise, teeth may become stained due to natural discoloration or as a result of worn-down and weakened enamel. For many patients, the improved smile and the confidence it gives them each day is enough to keep coming back for a check-up and cleaning general dentistry visit once every four to six months.