Houston Residents: Why You Should Visit a Dentist Every 6 Months

Being able to keep track of your oral health is important. The primary way to do this is by scheduling dental appointments and visiting a dentist as recommended. Going in for regular checkups with your local dentist is the best way to ensure that you’re doing everything possible to maintain healthy gums and teeth.

That being said, it isn’t always easy, feasible, or convenient for everyone to schedule and attend dental appointments on a regular basis. Fortunately, there are a few ways for Houston residents to stay informed about their oral health outside of scheduled checkups.

Keeping a lookout for signs that you may be at risk for developing gum disease, cavities, or any other related issues can be beneficial. With that in mind, here are some reasons why you should visit a dentist in Houston every six months, if possible:

Know if You Have Gum Disease

If you want to know if you have gum disease, a dentist’s visit is the best way to find out. Gum disease usually has no symptoms until it’s too late, which is why it’s important for dentists to screen for it during regular checkups.

Screening for gum disease is relatively easy, painless, and inexpensive. Most dentists will simply use a periodontal probe to assess the condition of your gums. This can indicate whether you have periodontal disease, which, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss.

If you have an increased risk of gum disease, such as if you have diabetes or are pregnant, your dentist in Houston may recommend that you visit once a month.

Check For Cavities

Cavities, or dental caries, can cause great pain, sensitivity, and even tooth loss if they aren’t treated. While there are plenty of ways to treat cavities and keep them from becoming too severe, it’s much easier to prevent them in the first place than it is to treat them once they’ve developed.

By visiting a dentist every six months, you can get your teeth examined and learn whether you have cavities. If you have them, your dentist can assess their severity and recommend treatment as necessary.

Even if you don’t have any cavities, your dentist can use this time to clean your teeth properly and remove any plaque or tartar that may be present. This is very important, as untreated plaque and tartar buildup can cause more serious issues, such as gum disease and cavities.

Be Aware of Any Oral Health Issues

During your dental visit, your dentist will visualize your teeth using tools such as dental mirrors and a dental light. This is an important part of inspecting your oral health and can help you know whether you have any issues that you may not have noticed otherwise.

This visual inspection can help your dentist spot issues such as dental decay, lesions, or broken or cracked teeth. They can also help you catch potential issues before they become serious, such as a tooth that is beginning to move or an infection in your gums.

Detect Oral Cancer During a Dentist Visit

Visiting a dentist every six months also has the potential to help you detect oral cancer, as most dentists are trained to screen for it. Oral cancer is responsible for thousands of deaths yearly, but most of these could be prevented if detected early.

While oral cancer is often treated very aggressively, the prognosis is very positive if it’s caught in its early stages. If left untreated, however, it can be fatal. That’s why it’s important to look out for signs and symptoms of oral cancer.

In Conclusion

There are many reasons why Houston residents should visit a dentist every six months if possible. During this visit, your dentist can detect and treat cavities, gum disease, or other issues before they worsen. They can also screen for oral cancer and ensure your teeth are in good shape. Visiting a dentist regularly also gives you a complete health checkup, which is important to catch any potential issues early.