Brushing and flossing are crucial for your oral health, no doubt. However, that alone doesn't guarantee healthy teeth and gums. You need to visit a family dentist routinely for thorough checkups. The best part is that the expert can attend to people of all ages. Here are a few reasons why you should have your teeth regularly checked by a dentist.

Control Cavities, Tartar, and Plaque

A dentist examines your teeth during your appointments to identify any lurking problems. What's more, the expert cleans your teeth of bacteria that cause cavities. You can rely on your dentist to professionally wash your teeth to remove plaque buildup and tartar.

If your dentist spots signs of tooth decay, you will start fluoride treatment to reduce the cavities. Plus, you can get fillings if cavities have already damaged your teeth. This way, your teeth, and gums will be healthy.

Treat Gum Diseases

When you visit a dentist regularly, the specialist can detect early symptoms of gum diseases. Typically, gingivitis and periodontitis infect your gums. With time, the infection spreads to your jawbone, resulting in tooth loss. Thankfully, a dentist can treat the problem in its early stages and remedy the situation.

Look out for the following signs of looming gum diseases:

• Excessive bleeding
• Swollen gums
• Pain and sensitivity
• Loose teeth
• Bad breath
• Red and tender gums

A dentist will clean your gums and apply medication to ward off any recurring infection. Tartar and plaque are notorious for causing gum issues. After cleaning, you need to uphold oral hygiene to keep bacteria at bay.

Detect Oral Cancer

Frequent dental checkups are crucial in detecting oral cancer. A family dentist has the experience to spot signs of mouth cancer from the onset. This way, you can receive treatment immediately before cancer spreads to other parts of the body.

An exam to check for cancer is usually painless and quick. A piece of equipment diagnoses any indications of dead tissues in your mouth. They could be tumors or other problems that the doctor will analyze after the procedure.

Identify Poor Habits That Harm Teeth

It's no secret that your lifestyle can damage your teeth. When you honor dentist appointments, an examination can bring out such issues. Perhaps, your teeth have darkened since your last visit. Your dentist will likely advise you to cut out:

• Smoking
• Red wine
• Black tea
• Coffee
• Sauces

If you are brushing your teeth too hard, your enamel and gums will indicate that. A dentist will recommend a gentle brush that meets your needs. Other habits that damage teeth are chewing nails, ice, and jaw clenching.