There are some things that you can see with your own eyes that let you know your oral health needs care. For instance, you can see a cracked tooth, a bump on your lip, or bleeding gums. However, did you know there are some things you cannot see? Learn more about this very important aspect of understanding your smile, so you remember to schedule your dental checkups.

#1: Your Overall Oral Health

It’s very important that you remember you cannot look at your smile in the mirror and positively and accurately identify your entire smile as healthy. Yes, it may be white. It may be shiny. It may look very clean and very healthy. However, that does not mean that there is not an issue that you are overlooking. It could be related to your dental hygiene or to your function. For this reason, dental checkups are always an essential twice-a-year experience.

#2: Oral Cancer

You cannot necessarily see oral cancer, particularly when it begins to develop. You might not even feel it. So, we never suggest that you base your decisions to come in for a checkup solely off of what you see in the mirror. If something seems different, call us. If everything seems normal, still make sure your dental checkups take place at least every six months.

#3: Infection

When your tooth is infected, it affects the interior part of this structure that is lined with dental pulp. You won’t be able to see it. You may develop a pimple on your gum that you can see. Or, the infection may occur without any obvious, visible symptoms for some time. This is one reason that advanced imaging is so important during your dental checkups. Did we mention we need you to schedule yours twice a year? It’s true!

Schedule Checkups Like Clockwork For Smile Protection

Don’t assume you don’t need a checkup just because your mouth seems fine. Instead, schedule one every six months anyway, so you can be certain you have good oral health. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kalyan Nadella or Dr. Benjamin Walder, call Columbia Dental & Orthodontics in East Dallas, TX today at (214) 827-8000. We also gladly serve patients in Mesquite, Oak Cliff, Garland, and all surrounding communities.