General Dentistry: Why Dental Checkups are Necessary

General Dentistry Flushing, NY

Even though good home care is important, general dentistry checkups are still essential for healthy teeth and gums. Time and research have shown that seeing a dentist every six months can help improve your oral health. There are numerous benefits that come from seeing a dentist on a regular basis, while failing to do so could increase your risks for complications.

The benefits of routine general dentistry checkups

Even if your teeth appear to be healthy and you have not noticed any troublesome symptoms, you should have your teeth checked and cleaned at least twice a year. Doing so can be very beneficial for your dental and overall health.

Lower risks of tooth decay and gum disease

Your teeth develop a film of plaque from the foods and beverages you consume. If this plaque is not removed by brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar buildup. Tartar cannot be removed by brushing alone and requires professional cleaning for thorough and safe removal.

Tartar buildup increases the risks of developing cavities and gum disease. When left untreated, tooth decay can lead to infection or tooth loss. Gum disease can also cause these problems, along with increasing your risks for other serious health conditions, including:

  • Stroke
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Diabetes
  • Arthritis

Seeing a dentist can help reduce the unnecessary risks for potentially harmful health conditions.

A more beautiful smile

Plaque and tartar buildup can do more than cause cavities and decay. They can also lead to staining and unsightly tooth discoloration. Routine cleanings can prevent this for a whiter, brighter, and more beautiful smile.

Less invasive dental work

If you are dealing with decay or gum disease, the sooner you receive treatment, the more likely you are to have better options. Minor cavities may only need a sealant or a small filling. The early stages of gum disease may only require deep cleaning. However, if you wait too long to be seen by a dentist, you may require more invasive dental work, such as crowns, root canals, or even tooth extraction.

Early detection of serious issues

Routine general dentistry checkups are not just about cleanings. At these appointments, dentists conduct important tests and screenings to evaluate dental health below the surface. Simple visual exams and X-rays can often lead to the early detection of serious issues, including oral cancer and bone loss. The earlier these conditions are diagnosed, the better the chances of a positive outcome.

Lower risks for dental anxiety

People of all ages should see a dentist twice a year starting around age 1. These checkups help patients learn to be more comfortable at the office and can help prevent or reduce dental anxiety. Waiting to see a dentist until serious work is needed can make dental anxiety worse.

Conclusion

Even people with strong and healthy teeth should see a dental professional every six months. If you are tempted to skip an appointment, remember the benefits you can forfeit and the risks you will assume in doing so. See a dentist on a regular basis for better oral and overall health.

Request an appointment here: https://www.queensfamilydental.com or call Queens Family Dental at (718) 954-9425 for an appointment in our Flushing office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Flushing, NY.

Recent Posts

What To Expect When Getting X-rays From A General Dentist

Many patients visiting a general dentist do not fully understand the use of dental X-rays. Patients may wonder if this type of imaging is completely necessary, and it is important to understand the risks and benefits of the procedure. Dental X-ray exposure is safer than ever before, and when patients are knowledgeable about the procedure,…

Ask A General Dentist: What Happens To Your Tooth After Extraction

Tooth extraction frequently occurs in the office of a general dentist for a variety of reasons, including:Bacterial decayAccidental breakageOvercrowdingImpactionMost patients are more concerned about the gap the tooth leaves behind than its fate outside their mouths. An extracted tooth usually takes one of the following paths, depending on whether the dentist or the patient claims…

How Good Oral Health Can Improve Heart Health

A general dentist often focuses on the importance of oral hygiene and how it can help the overall health of patients. There are many patients who are unaware of the impact that oral health can have on the heart’s health. The following explains how poor oral hygiene may be connected to the development of heart…

Ask A General Dentist: Is There A Waiting Period After Fluoride

If a general dentist recommends fluoride treatments, patients may express concerns about the lasting effects of fluoride. They may also wonder whether eating and drinking are possible immediately afterward. Fortunately, fluoride is one of the easiest dental treatments to undergo with little to no waiting period and great benefits in the long term. Just a…

Recent Posts

Relaxation Techniques For Dental Anxiety

Relaxation Techniques For Dental Anxiety

Looking for ways to address your dental anxiety? Or maybe a family member or friend you know experiences this all-too-common problem? Communication is key for dental patients who find it difficult to go to their dental appointments, as many dentists take the extra steps necessary to help their patients relax when in need of dental…

A Family Dentist Discusses How To Clean Braces

A Family Dentist Discusses How To Clean Braces

If you have recently gotten braces from the family dentist, you will probably be aware of the hassles of cleaning them. The braces’ brackets are bonded to the tooth’s surface, limiting the reach of the toothbrush and making it harder to clean the teeth thoroughly. Nevertheless, you still need to keep the braces as it…

We are not currently accepting Medicaid Patients. Thank you!