Two-thirds of Americans are afraid of visiting the dentist.

Believe it or not, the source of their fear is not the drill or the anesthesia. Those fears have dissipated with the advancements in dentistry.

Now, the number one reason why people dread receiving dental checkups is cost. Yet, despite the stress it causes, visiting the dentist every year proves to be beneficial across the board.

The question is, how? See below for our complete guide on how you will benefit when you visit your dentist annually.

Benefits When You Visit Your Dentist Yearly

You still need to see a dentist frequently, even if you brush and floss every day! Here are the benefits of visiting the dental clinic annually:

Prevent Damaged Teeth

When a tooth gets so bad that it needs to be taken out, this is called an extraction. Only one set of permanent adult teeth is given to you, so losing even one can have serious consequences for your smile.

When you lose a tooth, other things might occur in your mouth, such as your teeth shifting on their own. This could be painful and drastically alter the appearance of your smile. Regular dental care prevents irreversible damage.

Get more information about Preventative Dental Care here.

Correct Your Foul Breath

If you have chronic foul breath, it’s not because it’s morning or because you ate too many onions. A condition known as halitosis can develop when oral hygiene is neglected. You should not ignore or attempt to handle this issue on your own.

Schedule a visit with your dentist so that they can diagnose the source of the odor and explain how it might be eliminated. Sometimes it’s a medical problem that needs help right away.

Clean Teeth Education

Many people don’t know how to care for their teeth correctly. Most people only brush their teeth once a day and never floss. Initially, this may not appear to be a major issue, but it can develop into more serious complications later on.

Even modest routines, such as brushing your teeth after meals and flossing at least once a day, can aid in the fight against oral bacteria and result in overall healthier teeth. If you desire a more individualized approach to dental care, you may wish to maintain regular dental examinations so that professionals can monitor your oral health.

Avoid Other Future Problems

Regular dental visits allow the dentist to detect problems that could become more serious in the future. For instance, if they notice that a little cavity is forming or that your gums are unhealthy, they can treat you immediately.

People frequently may not realize they have plaque buildup or gum disease. A dentist can also look for early warning symptoms of serious diseases such as mouth cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Oral Health Is Important

Visiting your dentist regularly allows you to see potential problems and find solutions to any red flags, saving you time, pain, and even money in the long run.

But how frequently should you visit? Most people are told to go to the dentist every six months.

Studies show that people who don’t have problems with their teeth can go once a year, but those who do should go every three to four months.

For more health tips and advice, check out our other blog posts.