According to the latest CareQuest Institute State of Oral Health Equity in America survey, 68% of American adults have seen a dentist in the last year.

That still leaves a large percentage who've gone too long without care, leading to long-term problems. Another CareQuest study showed that adults lose over 243 million hours due to oral health problems. Those hours are worth $45 billion.

Read on to learn why dental checkups are essential for good oral health.

What Happens During Checkups

Fear can prevent patients from getting regular checkups. It often stems from uncertainty about what to expect. Understanding the process of a dental checkup helps ease fears and clarifies why they're so important for maintaining good oral health.

Most dental checkups begin with the dental hygienist. They'll give you a comprehensive health exam.

You may need to have X-rays, especially if this is your first visit to the clinic. They identify cavities or problems with the health of your teeth or jaw that weren't visible during the exam.

Then, they'll give you a teeth cleaning. They have specialized tools that can remove leftover tartar and plaque in hard-to-reach areas.

They'll finish by polishing your teeth. This keeps the surface smooth and prevents future plaque buildup. They'll also floss your teeth, and most will offer an optional fluoride treatment.

The dentist will also perform an exam. They'll check for any issues in your teeth or gums and perform an oral cancer screening. They'll also check for any bite issues that need to be corrected, such as:

• TMJ disorders
• Misalignment
• Maloclusion

The dentist will help schedule your next appointment and create a treatment plan. They'll also notify you of the signs of any conditions and refer you to any specialists if necessary. 

The Importance of Checkups

Knowing the details of what happens during a checkup may not help you understand why they're so important. You may still be petrified of the chair or unsure how such a short procedure matters in the long term.

It's one of the most important things you can do for your oral health. Checkups enable the early identification and treatment of oral health issues. Your overall health will also improve. Regular check-ups are essential for building rapport with your dentist, and they help you avoid more expensive procedures in the future by identifying problems early and getting them treated before they develop into an emergency. 

Early Identification

Regular checkups lead to the early identification of issues such as:

• Cavities
• Gum disease
• Oral cancer
• Dry mouth

It allows you to start treatment before these issues become serious and costly, saving you money in the long run.

Preventative Dental Practices

A professional cleaning involves professional tools. They can remove plaque or tartar that a traditional toothbrush or floss can't.

Preventive dental practices include everything you do to care for your teeth. Dental checkups are an essential component. They can help prevent common dental problems.

One of the most common is gum disease. It affects almost half of the world's population. Almost 47.2% of Americans over 30 have gum disease or gingivitis. Periodontitis, the more severe form, affects approximately 50% of men and 30% of women. 

The options for addressing this condition depend on how advanced it is. Preventing gum disease can be as simple as improving your oral care. When it progresses to periodontitis, you'll need more extensive procedures such as surgery.

This preventative care becomes even more important for pregnant women. Remember that these visits can save or improve more than one life.

Overall Health

Good oral health means good overall health. Oral conditions, especially gum disease, have been linked to issues such as:

• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Stroke

The mouth is full of beneficial and harmful bacteria. If that bacteria enters the bloodstream, it can create or exacerbate health issues elsewhere.

Proper oral health care also has a major impact on your mental health. A healthy smile helps you feel self-confident enough to go out in public and go after your dreams.

Building a Relationship with the Dentist

Have you and a friend ever lost touch because of a lack of communication? It's even worse if this starts to happen with your dentist.

Regular checkups are essential for maintaining a relationship with your dentist. It helps you feel comfortable talking about any new issues with them. They'll have a regular record to compare with previous visits. They'll also be aware of your preferences and medical conditions. 

Personalized Dental Hygiene Tips

Dentists who know their patients can provide personalized dental hygiene tips. They're based on a variety of factors. Two of the most important are your medical history and lifestyle habits.

Basic healthy teeth habits, such as flossing and brushing twice a day, are universal. Your dentist will provide you with personalized tips tailored to your specific needs that go beyond the basics. This allows them to improve your overall health more effectively. That may mean helping you identify negative habits you may not have been aware of. Perhaps you didn't realize you're one of the approximately 22% of Americans who grind their teeth at night. You may also not have known that a mouthguard could help.

Your dentist can also consult with you on the best dental care strategies. You can ask them any questions, such as where to find the right toothbrush. They can help you choose the right procedures, even cosmetic ones such as professional whitening.

Cost Savings

There's one thing that human mouths have in common with cars and appliances. The sooner problems with them get identified, the less it costs to fix them.

This makes regular checkups not only essential for health but also a cost-saving strategy. Catching issues early prevents costly procedures later on.

A professional cleaning that removes tartar and prevents a cavity is more affordable than filling one. If your dentist identifies a cavity early, it can be treated, which is much less expensive and less extensive than a tooth extraction.

Treating a condition early also requires fewer procedures. That's not only less expensive but also more convenient. 

How Often to Get Checkups

The professional recommendation for healthy adults is to get a dental checkup at least once or twice a year. You may need it more often if you smoke tobacco products or have a history of:

• Diabetes
• Frequent cavities
• Gum disease

This is just a general recommendation. Your dentist will tell you how often to come in based on your current and past dental health.

There are also signs that you may need to visit the dentist between scheduled checkups. These signs include:

• Toothaches
• Tooth sensitivity
• Bleeding in the teeth or gums
• Swelling or discoloration of the gums
• Loose teeth
• Bad breath
• Lumps or swelling in your mouth
• Headaches
• Emergencies such as a tooth that's been knocked out

How to Find a Reliable Dentist

A checkup only contributes to good oral health when you find a trustworthy dentist to perform it. When you are looking, you should start with your individual needs.

Once you've used them to narrow down the selections, start researching them all online and in person.

Consider Your Needs

A few ways to start narrowing down your options include looking at their:

• Location
• Services
• Office hours

An office that's too far away won't be convenient or cost-effective. They also need to be open when you're off work or your child is off school.

One of your best options is a local general dentist who offers a wide range of services. You can visit them for your regular checkups, for emergencies, or for cosmetic procedures. They'll be your one-stop shop. You'll have an easier time developing a relationship with them due to the frequency of repeat visits. 

Verify Their Credentials

Ensure that every dentist you consider is licensed and has relevant experience.

Look them up on credential sites. See how long they've been in business. Specializations in what you need are helpful but not required.

Get Referrals and Check Review

Start asking around. Find out which dentist your friends, family, and neighbors go to. That vote of confidence can go a long way in helping you make your decision.

The internet allows you to get thousands of referrals at once in the form of reviews. Don't miss out on that opportunity.

Look for patterns in the reviews to check their legitimacy. Do they all praise the dentist's bedside manner? Do they criticize the staff's response times? 

Visit the Office and Call the Staff

Visit the office before you schedule an appointment. A chaotic office often leads to a chaotic appointment. 

Speak with the staff at the front desk to arrange a consultation. It's just as important for them to communicate with you respectfully as it is for the dentist to do so.

Schedule a Consultation

Schedule a consultation with each viable option. Pay attention to how well they communicate with you.

Are they willing and able to answer your questions? This is a sign they'll continue to communicate with you well.

Get Checkups for Good Oral Health

Good oral health is impossible without regular dental checkups. They provide preventative care and help identify issues early. They're also important for overall health.

Bay Area Dental Specialists is a family dental practice that treats every patient like a member of the family. That means making sure you're comfortable.

We strive to make every visit light and enjoyable, regardless of the procedure you require. Schedule a cleaning or exam today.