Why are dental check-ups important?

Going to the dentist for a checkup is worth it

Most mouth diseases are difficult to diagnose by ourselves. Cavities don’t show or hurt in the early stages. The same goes for periodontal disease or oral cancer. Moreover, visiting the dentist allows us to monitor previous treatments and detect minor defects in a timely manner.

Check-ups help maintain our oral health in good condition, thus preventing complications in our overall health. In addition, check-ups mean significant time and cost savings.

What does the check-up visit involve?

• Search for possible oral lesions.
• Diagnosis of cavities using an explorer.
• Examination with a mirror to check the bite and gum condition.
• Evaluation of previous treatments.
• Professional cleaning and fluoride application.
• X-ray if deemed necessary by the dentist.
• Explanation of the treatment plan and home care advice. Schedule a new appointment.

How often should you go?

The frequency of dental visits varies depending on several factors such as age, oral health status, the presence of systemic diseases (smokers, diabetics, or people with chronic diseases may require less frequent visits), and the treatments received, among others. The dentist will determine the frequency in each case, whether every 6 months, annually, or more frequently in some cases.

Dispelling excuses for not going to the dentist

• “It will hurt.” If you visit the dentist regularly, you are more likely to avoid pain.
• “I have nothing.” Even if you don’t feel any pain, many diseases go unnoticed in the early stages, and it’s the dentist who can diagnose them.
• “It’s too expensive.” Neglecting your oral health is more costly than going to the dentist. If you don’t go regularly, more diseases will accumulate, and treatments will be more complex, time-consuming, and expensive.
• “I can’t lose time.” It’s better to invest 30 minutes once a year than to accumulate diseases and have to spend much more time on longer treatments.
• “I had a bad experience.” Having had a bad experience doesn’t mean all experiences will be the same. Explain to your dentist what happened to take precautions and avoid a repeat.

Some statistics

• “In Spain, workers lose over 23 million hours of work per year due to dental problems.”
• “In general, only 50% of Spaniards visit their dentist at least once a year, well below the European average of 65%.”
• “Every euro invested in oral prevention saves about €20 in dental treatment.”

All studies show that regular check-ups save time, money, and prevent diseases, sometimes serious ones like diabetes or oral cancer.