Visiting your dentist's office every few months is a great idea. As lifestyles change and eating patterns change with time, the state of your teeth and gums may also change. Eating different kinds of food affects your teeth differently, and consulting a dentist - letting a dentist gauge the state of your teeth and gums- is important to ensure continued and future dental health. The American Dental Association advises people to generally try to visit the dentist every four months in the very least. According to many sources, every one in four Americans has to deal with dental problems after the age of 30, with the ratio rising dramatically after 50 years of age. Preventing tooth decay and gum disease early on can prevent the need for expensive orthodontic treatment later in life.

Get your teeth cleaned properly and prevent future problems

A regular tooth cleaning is one of the main reasons to go for regular visits. A dental hygienist can examine your teeth and gums and clean all around your teeth with more precision than you can with a toothbrush and floss, removing tartar and plaque, cleaning your teeth of remaining particles of food and tobacco stains etc. Such an examination is also very beneficial because dental professionals offer tips and advice on how to maintain the shape and health of your teeth, and can spot cavities and other problems early on and make recommendations of treatment.

Another reason to go regularly is preventative action. Many problems do not become painful and obvious until they have reached an advanced stage. A dental examination and regular dental x-rays can help you and your dentists prevent major problems from occurring, saving you potential pain, a tooth extraction or a gum infection. Dentists can also prescribe ways to prevent or treat smaller problems such as mouth ulcers and occasional gum bleeding. Problems with occlusion can also be spotted sooner and corrective action in the form of braces and bridges can also save you possible future dental surgery.

The most important aspect of regular visits is the ability to monitor your teeth and detect cavities early. While cavities can be painful, they have potential long term harmful effects for the general health for an individual. Cavities can cause deep rooted infection; the infection can spread to your bloodstream, for example, leading to septicemia. Early detection will save you pain, money, and potentially serious health problems later in life.