A common question we get asked a lot by patients is why visit a dentist regularly? Did you know that 48% of Canadians who haven’t seen a dentist in the past year have gum disease?
No matter how old you are, regular dental examinations are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. During the comprehensive dental examination your dentist will look into your mouth and check for several items, including:
- Early signs of cavities
- Gum disease (read our article on What Is Gum Disease?)
- Suspicious growths or cysts
- Spacing issues and the position of teeth
- Screening for mouth cancer or throat cancer
- Overall condition of bones in your face, jaw, and mouth
At Country Dental in Fergus Ontario, our dentists feel it is very important to visit your dentist regularly. In this post we’ll explore the answers to the question why visit a dentist regularly, as it applies to all age groups.
Regular Dental Exams for Children
The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) recommends that children have their first visit to the dentist by the age of 1 or within 6 months of your child’s first tooth. A pediatric dentist can help you understand if your child’s teeth are being cleaned properly, identify any problems early on, and fix problems right away, as well as teach your child that going to the dentist is a normal part of their healthcare routine.
If it is your child’s first trip to the dentist, be sure to read our article, “Tips for a Child’s First Dentist Visit,” outlining how to make this a great experience.
Regular Dental Exams for Adults
The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) also says that the goal of dental exams is to help catch small problems early before they turn into larger, more complicated health issues. For most people, visiting a dentist is recommended every six months.
Keep in mind that how often you visit the dentist can depend on several factors including how often you floss, your diet, whether you smoke, your history of cavities or gum disease (if any), and the state of your overall health. At the end of each visit to Country Dental, our dentist will recommend when you should book your next regular checkup.
Regular Dental Exams for Seniors
As you get older there are additional reasons why you should still visit your dentist regularly:
- To ensure proper denture care, which includes fixed bridges, partial or removable dentures, complete dentures, and dental implants. (Learn more on this topic on our dental implants FAQ page.
- To review any new medications that may affect your oral health (such as dryness of mouth or gum growth).
- To discuss any other recent changes in your health that may also affect your oral health.
Our Fergus dentist can also advise caregivers and relatives on how they can help improve the oral health of the person in their care, if needed. This could include ideas to make it easier for them to brush their teeth, advice on how to properly clean dentures, or even how to clean and massage the inside of the person’s mouth.
Health Benefits of Going to the Dentist
Studies also support the reasons behind why visit a dentist regularly. Studies show supporting evidence that a regular visit to the dentist can help more than just your pearly whites. Professional cleaning and scaling of teeth my help reduce the risk for heart attack and stroke.
Other benefits of visiting your dentist on a regular basis include:
- Early detection of oral cancer
- Prevention of bad breath
- Maintenance of a bright, white smile
- Prevention of gum and bone disease
Our dentists in Fergus, Toronto, and Fergus all have the skills, training, and expertise to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your oral health no matter you age. We can provide proper treatment and care as well as help you develop proper hygiene habits that contribute to proper overall oral health.
If it’s been a while since you’ve had a visit with your dentist, now is the time.
You can book your appointment online with Country Dental today or call the dental office most convenient for you if you still have questions about why visit a dentist regularly.
Country Dental Fergus: 519-620-7474
Country Dental Toronto: 416-335-7377
Country Dental Fergus: 519-787-7878
In addition to visiting your dentist regularly, here are some additional Tips to Improve Your Smile Naturally.
