We want to see you ! The importance of regular dental visits | Kerrisdale Dental Clinic

We recommend that patients come in every six months for a cleaning and exam. This is not just because we like seeing your smiling face (although we do!), but regular visits are an important part of an oral health care regimen, especially if the patient is prone to getting cavities and gum disease.

Many patients question whether they really need to come in every six months. They believe that if they are good at brushing and flossing, they can go longer in between dental visits. The truth is, the majority of patients we see don’t have a perfect oral hygiene routine. It’s only human to forget to floss now and again, or to rush through brushing in the morning and miss a few spots. However, over time these things can add up and cause plaque and tartar to build up on the teeth and even below the gumline, which can lead to decay and gum disease. Once plaque has hardened or gotten below the gumline, it will be difficult to remove, no matter how much you brush. A professional cleaning with dental instruments will be necessary to remove plaque and tartar buildup.

In addition to that freshly polished clean feeling you get after a dental cleaning, regular visits are an important opportunity for your dentist to catch any potential problems before they worsen and become more complicated to treat. Conditions such as gum disease, receding gums and cavities and are much simpler to treat early on. In addition, your dentist will screen you for oral cancer. Oral cancer is especially important to catch early on for the best possible chance of successful treatment and survival. Your dentist is trained to recognize early warning signs of oral cancer, and will recommend further testing if any abnormalities are spotted.

Many studies have linked oral health to overall health, citing a connection between gum disease and cardiovascular disease, stroke and diabetes. You could consider regular dental checkups as part of a healthy lifestyle. If you’re overdue for a check up, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We’re currently accepting new patients and would love to see you!