Everyone knows you can combat plaque buildup with regular flossing and brushing at home. But there’s only so much conventional home treatment provides. Without regular professional checkups with your dentist, you risk plaque buildup and subsequent potential for tooth decay.

The tools dentists use can break up plaque much more effectively than your toothbrush, floss and mouthwash. And once plaque moves further into the roots of the teeth and develops into tartar, which is not possible to remove with regular brushing and home maintenance, tooth decay is imminent and you face a higher risk of gum disease. Moreover, a dentist will examine your gums- a big indicator of your overall health.

Having your teeth professionally cleaned also helps remove stains caused by coffee, tea, wine, tobacco, and other products. These stains also contribute to bad breath, which can be caused by gum disease or even food lodged in hard-to-reach areas. Furthermore, those who pay regular visits to their dentist are more likely to keep their teeth into their elder years.

A professional deep cleaning from a dentist every 6 months is imperative to not only a healthy smile, but also important to your cardiovascular health. According to some recent studies, strokes and heart attacks are directly related to gum disease.  Moreover, a dentist will examine your neck, throat, tongue, face, and head to detect signs of potential trouble such as cancer or swelling.

So visiting your dentist for regular dental checkups is how your dentist detects any potential problems that you may not even be aware of.  Unless you have pain or an obvious cavity, you may have issues you do not even know about.  So proper oral health goes above and beyond just regular home maintenance; it also must include regular professional care.