According to a 2012 study published by the American Dental Association, 45 percent of women and 52 percent of men between the ages of 35 and 44 have gingivitis. This number is staggering, especially when you consider how easily gingivitis can be prevented. In most cases, gingivitis can be avoided by brushing and flossing your teeth on a daily basis and visiting the dentist for a checkup every six months. Unfortunately, millions of Americans neglect to brush and floss daily and even more American adults skip their biannual trip to the dentist. There are some very compelling reasons to visit Philadelphia dentists every six months, however. Here are a few of those reasons.

Scheduling a regular checkup with your dentist is essential for maintaining good oral health. At these appointments your dentists (or dental hygienist) will give your teeth a thorough cleaning. This cleaning will most likely be better than anything you can do by yourself at home. Philadelphia dentists will also inspect your head, neck, mouth, and face during this visit. They will look for signs of gingivitis, gum disease, and oral cancer. Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums. If your gums are swollen and tender, or if they bleed when your brush and floss your teeth, you may have gingivitis. If caught by your dentist early, gingivitis can easily be reversed. If it goes untreated, however, gingivitis can turn into a more serious form of periodontal disease which many result in tooth loss.

Another reason to visit the Philadelphia dentists on a regular basis is to prevent dental emergencies. There are several different types of dental emergencies, including cavities, broken fillings, and gum disease. If you see your dentist before these problems become serious, he will easily be able to diagnose and treat them. If the problem goes untreated, however, you may require a root canal, surgery, or tooth loss. Not only are these dental emergencies very painful, but also they can be very expensive. Visiting your dentist twice a year is far cheaper than undergoing major dental work.

According to the same survey noted above, 89 percent of women and nearly 75 percent of men have a dentist. Despite this fact, the majority of American adults do not schedule regular checkups with their dentist. If you do not have a dentist, research Philadelphia dentists today and make an appointment. It is never too late to start taking care of your teeth. Good oral hygiene is essential if you want to live a health life, and it starts with a visit to the dentist.