Visiting the dentist is essential to your oral health, and a yearly visit isn’t enough to ensure you’re taking proper care of your teeth. According to J. Bryson McBratney, D.D.S. of Anchorage, AK, patients should visit the dentist at least twice a year. There are several specific reasons, and he wants to break down each to stress the importance of these checkups. If you’re overdue, consider the reasons below, as well as optimal times to book your upcoming appointment.

3 Reasons to Visit the Dentist Every 6 Months

1. Comprehensive Cleaning

Dental checkups are the only time you get a comprehensive cleaning. Regardless of how well you brush and floss, there are simply some places you can’t reach. A dentist can clean in these hard-to-reach spaces, as well as address existing oral health issues, like tooth decay or gum disease. This ensures proper management to limit the effects, and the comprehensive cleaning will keep your mouth healthy between visits.

2. Prevention

The primary goal of a dentist is to prevent oral health issues, not simply treat them. During dental checkups, they’ll look for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer, and other common problems that can negatively impact your smile. Catching these early is imperative, and your dentist is the only person that can accurately identify them.

3. Education

Learning how to properly care for your teeth, as well as what contributes to tooth decay and other conditions, is essential to oral health. Checkups are the only time you can ask questions and the ideal opportunity for your dentist to educate you about proper dental care. Doing this every six months is important, as your mouth changes over time and new questions will likely arise.

The summer break is a convenient time to schedule a cleaning and coincides well with a follow-up visit during the winter break, so schedule your next visit today with J. Bryson McBratney, D.D.S. He and his staff offer a variety of dental care services, including cosmetic dentistry, and are committed to ensuring patients maintain their oral health. Call (907) 562-3323 today to schedule a teeth cleaning and visit their website and Facebook page to learn more about their practice.