gum-health-300x200When it comes to health and well-being, many people will visit their primary care physician for a checkup every few years. Thankfully in Canada we enjoy universal healthcare coverage. It may be basic coverage, but it allows each person to be able to see their doctor for any number of reasons. Getting a regular checkup every couple of years can help detect potential problems before they become significant health crises.

However, the same can’t be said about visiting one’s dentist. Far too many people avoid going to the dentist and their reasons are vast and varied. Some people are afraid of dealing with the pain associated with drilling, filling of cavities, and much more.

Others simply think that brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash is more than enough to ensure that their teeth are in healthy and good condition. So they have a tendency to avoid that regular six-month checkup.

This is a mistake.

While brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash are essential components of good oral care, especially when done two or more times a day, there is no substitute for the regular six-month checkups and cleaning. That’s because plaque will build up on the teeth no matter how much a person brushes or flosses. The more plaque that gets built up, the more it can wear down the enamel of the teeth and it can also lead to gum disease, which can be incredibly painful and pose a risk to the health of the teeth and roots.

Anyone who has been avoiding the dentist, for whatever reason, should call The Dental Centre today and schedule a visit. Research has shown that people who visit the dentist every six months for the regular cleaning and checkups have far fewer oral health issues in the long run than those who simply assume that brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash is enough.