Maintaining beautiful, glowing smiles takes effort and dedication. While you may already brush and floss your teeth on a daily basis, this isn’t always enough to protect your oral health. As explained by Kaneohe, HI’s top general dentistry practitioner, Kathleen Kujiraoka, DDS, visiting your dentist for regular checkups is one of the best things you can do to keep your smile healthy. Below, she briefly talks about the benefits of frequent dental care. 

What Happens During a Regular Checkup?

Visiting a dentist for regular checkups is the best way to get a comprehensive understanding of your oral health. During your appointment, your doctor will likely examine your mouth to evaluate the condition of your teeth and gums.

More specifically, they’ll check for tartar and plaque buildup, as these are likely to accumulate between dental visits and contribute to tooth decay. They’ll also inspect your gum line for signs of irritation, like redness and swelling, to make sure no infections have taken root. To help your smile stay healthy, many family dentists also recommend including teeth cleaning with each routine visit.

In addition to checking for factors causing cavities, your dentist will also look for indications of more serious medical concerns, like oral cancer, diabetes, or vitamin deficiencies. They may also examine your face, neck, and jaw for warning signs you may be at risk of developing painful TMJ or bite problems.

Why Is It Important to Visit a Dentist Frequently?

Regular dental exams are the best way to prevent oral health problems. Unless you experience pain or have an obvious cavity, you may not be aware of the issues affecting your mouth. A thorough examination by a trained professional keeps minor irritations from developing into more serious medical problems in the future.

Plaque and bacteria, for instance, can build-up quickly, even with brushing and flossing. Frequent dental exams address these buildups before they get out of hand, helping to prevent cavities and periodontal disease from developing. Having your teeth cleaned regularly also removes stains and eliminates the bacteria causing bad breath, resulting in a brighter, more radiant smile.

Preserve your oral health by scheduling an exam with Dr. Kathleen Kujiraoka, DDS today. As a leading family dentist with over 20 years of experience, Dr. Kujiraoka offers compassionate and personalized care to patients of all ages. Visit her online to learn more about her services, including teeth whitening, veneers, and dentures, or call (808) 235-2121 to book an appointment.