10 Invaluable Benefits of Twice-Yearly Dental Cleanings and Exams

If you’re like most people, you’re probably not exactly thrilled to visit the dentist. After all, there are dozens of things that would be more fun. 

But skipping those twice-a-year visits can have big implications for your oral health and your overall wellness, too. And if you delay care for too long, you’re almost certain to regret your decision later on.

At Dentist at Rock Creek in Cypress, Texas, Sandra Raouf, DDS, and KimCuc Vo, DDS, help our patients maintain their beautiful smiles and avoid serious dental issues with preventive care tailored to each patient’s specific needs. 

Here are 10 reasons why you definitely shouldn’t skip your twice-yearly visits.

Spot problems early

One of the best reasons to have exams twice a year is to spot — and treat — oral health problems early. With regular exams, we can map out a treatment plan focused on preserving your oral health and avoiding more serious issues down the road.

Prevent gum disease

A leading cause of adult tooth loss, gum disease is an inflammatory condition that happens when bacteria cause infection under your gums. Early intervention stops gum disease or even prevents it in the first place.

Keep breath fresh

Plaque and tartar trapped between teeth can quickly lead to chronic bad breath. Some people suffer from dry mouth, a condition in which saliva production is low. 

Undiagnosed decay and infection can also contribute to bad breath. Regular checkups eliminate all these issues, so your breath stays clean and fresh.

Maintain a more beautiful smile

Twice-yearly exams aren’t just about diagnosing and treating oral health issues. Your visits include a professional cleaning using mild abrasives and special tools to get rid of superficial stains that can dull your smile.

Avoid discomfort

Because early treatment is typically less invasive, you can avoid the discomfort and inflammation associated with the more aggressive treatment that’s necessary to treat advanced concerns, like deep cavities or abscesses.

Monitor for cancer

About 54,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancers every year, according to the Oral Cancer Foundation, and about 10,000 die from the disease. 

During your visit, we perform a visual exam of your gums, palate, and other oral structures to look for early signs of cancer. If we spot abnormal tissue, we can take a tiny sample for lab evaluation.

Optimize home care

During your cleaning, we look for areas where brushing and flossing efforts are falling short. Then we provide you with helpful tips that can make your home care routine more effective.

Save money

Early treatment of oral health problems typically is less invasive and less complex. That means those twice-yearly visits could help you avoid more costly treatments and keep more money in your own pocket.

Reduce your risks of systemic health issues

Researchers have found an association between dental disease (specifically gum disease) and systemic health risks, like heart disease, respiratory disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and even some types of cancer. 

Regular dental visits help maintain oral health, reducing the risks of infection and inflammation that may lead to other health problems.

Enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles

By addressing oral health issues early, regular dental visits can help you avoid tooth loss — and dentures, bridges, and implants — later on. We provide preventive treatments and patient education aimed at helping you preserve your smile for years to come.

If it’s been a while since your last checkup, now is the perfect time to schedule one. To book your visit, call us at 832-737-8234 or request an appointment online with our team at Dentist at Rock Creek today.