7 Invaluable Benefits of Twice-Yearly Dental Visits

Regular brushing, flossing, and watching sugar intake are essential for healthy gums and teeth. However, optimal oral health also requires biannual visits to the dentist for a professional cleaning and checkup. 

Brushing off these routine appointments can be tempting, especially if nothing hurts. But don’t. In this month’s blog, board-certified family dentist Jason Ray, DDS, in Santa Monica, California, discusses seven invaluable benefits of twice-yearly dental visits.

1. Better cavity prevention 

Dental decay is the most common disease in the world. In the United States, 1 in 4 adults has untreated tooth decay, and 90% have had at least one cavity. Luckily, cavities are preventable, and routine dental visits can significantly improve your chances of avoiding them.

From complete plaque and tartar removal to fluoride treatments, dental sealants, enamel-protecting dietary advice, and pro brushing and flossing tips, regular professional dental care fosters better cavity prevention.

2. Early decay detection 

Excellent oral hygiene habits can minimize your risk of dental decay. However, your cavity risk is zero only if you avoid all foods that contain sugar or carbohydrates. When you see our team every six months, we can detect tooth decay early, in its most treatable stage.

Swift cavity detection often means only taking care of a minor surface cavity (no anesthetic needed) or getting a small filling. Delayed cavity detection, on the other hand, can easily lead to a large filling, a root canal, or even a tooth extraction. 

3. Gum disease deterrence 

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is the chronic inflammation and infection of the gum and bone tissues surrounding and supporting your teeth.

After tooth decay, periodontal disease is the most common oral health problem: In the US, nearly half of adults aged 30 and older — and more than half of older adults — have some degree of gum disease. 

When this progressive condition goes untreated, it often leads to tooth loss. When it’s spotted early during a routine dental exam, we can help you reverse the problem and restore optimal gum health.

4. Lifelong tooth protection

No matter your current dental needs, routine cleanings and exams help protect and improve your oral health. That’s true whether you’re already managing advanced gum disease or simply trying to avoid cavities and keep your gums healthy.

When you maintain good oral health through twice-yearly dental visits, you’re far less likely to develop deep decay and advanced gum disease, the main problems that can lead to tooth loss. 

5. Timely problem discovery

Regular dental exams don’t just check for cavities and gum disease but also look for signs of common health problems with telltale oral indicators. When we evaluate your oral tissues and the chew surfaces of your teeth, we can spot signs of:

• Bruxism
• TMJ disorders
• Oral cancer
• Sleep apnea

Identifying these problems early gives you the best shot at an optimal outcome, whether you need to wear an oral device to treat sleep apnea or need a more comprehensive plan to address TMJ dysfunction or oral cancer. 

6. A whiter, brighter smile 

The most popular benefit of routine dental visits is they leave you with a whiter, brighter smile without relying on cosmetic teeth whitening treatments. 

How? Regular cleanings with professional dental tools and techniques clear plaque and tartar and lift superficial stains from your enamel to keep your smile looking vibrant — and leave you with fresher breath.

7. Helpful oral hygiene tips

At your exam, we can see where your daily oral hygiene habits excel and where they could improve. We may notice an area that doesn’t seem to get cleaned as thoroughly as the rest of your mouth. Or, we might see spots of thinning enamel that indicate you brush too hard.

After explaining what we notice, we advise you on how to improve your brushing and flossing techniques to protect your long-term oral health.

Are you due for your next cleaning and exam? If so, call Jason Ray, DDS, at 310-581-5700 or request an appointment online today.