Whether you have dental anxiety or a busy schedule, it’s easy to find an excuse to skip the dentist. However, neglecting semiannual appointments is detrimental to oral health, and could lead to costly treatments down the line. Here, Nicholas J. Hurley DDS, PA in Thomasville, NC, discusses the importance of seeing a dentist and maintaining your smile.

Why Should You See a Dentist Twice a Year?

1. Check for Cavities

When tartar erodes tooth enamel and leaves the underlying layers exposed, a cavity forms. At this stage, a dentist can fill the tooth to protect it from acids and bacteria, preventing decay from infecting the pulp. Waiting too long may result in the need for a root canal, which is a far more costly procedure.

2. Get a Deep Cleaning

Brushing and flossing are both important aspects of preventative care, but there are still hard-to-reach places in the mouth that only a dentist has the tools to clean. Regular dental cleanings will eliminate plaque and tartar buildup, polishing your teeth to a brilliant sheen. They also serve as opportunities for dentists to teach their patients about proper oral hygiene.

3. Detect Diseases Early On

During a checkup, dentists will also look for serious issues, such as oral cancer. Your dentist will perform a screening to check for abnormalities or sores that could indicate the beginnings of oral cancer. Identifying this disease at an early stage will improve the odds of a full recovery.

If it’s been a while since your last teeth cleaning, make an appointment at Nicholas J. Hurley DDS, PA in Thomasville, NC. This dentist specializes in a wide range of general and cosmetic dentistry services to help patients protect their radiant smiles. Call them at (336) 476-1109 to schedule an appointment or visit them online to learn more about becoming a patient.