The importance of regular dental check-ups
By Foivos-Ioannis Kaldis
From early childhood, many of us routinely visited the pediatric dentist and, later on, the orthodontist. These visits were part of a structured routine. Our parents would take us—whether we wanted to go or not—and if we behaved, we were often rewarded with a toy, so we managed to keep the habit and typically visited the dentist once or even twice a year.
But what about now? As adults who are now personally responsible for maintaining our oral health, how disciplined and consistent are we with our dental appointments?
Statistics may offer a reliable indicator of how frequently people visit the dentist.
In the U.S., in 2018, 85.9% of minors aged 2–17 visited the dentist at least once, while 65.9% of adults aged 18–65 had at least one dental visit. In the EU in 2023, 4.7% of individuals aged 16 and over reported having unmet dental care needs. In Greece specifically, 14.9% of those who needed dental care did not receive it, with 11.7% citing financial reasons.
In today's world, dental visits are more necessary than ever. With packaged foods being a staple in our daily diets and sugary energy drinks and sodas being favorites among young people, we are increasingly exposed to cariogenic substances, significantly increasing our risk of tooth decay.
A healthy and attractive smile needs more than just regular brushing and flossing—it also requires the trained eye of a dentist. The early detection of cavities by a professional can save us from future pain and is often treated more conservatively and affordably. In other words, preventive care is always cheaper than treatment. The cost of a biannual cleaning is far less than the cost of periodontal, restorative, or endodontic treatment—not to mention prosthetic restorations.
Additionally, dental cleanings (scaling and prophylaxis) help remove bacterial plaque, treat gum disease, and prevent long-term conditions such as periodontitis and tooth loss. Regular check-ups also enable dentists to tailor oral hygiene instructions for each individual with customized advice.
It’s worth noting that a dentist is not only responsible for your teeth but for the overall health of your oral cavity. By observing signs and symptoms within the mouth—especially today, when over 20% of adults smoke—dentists can help detect early signs of oral cancer and other pathological conditions.
Moreover, like all healthcare professionals, the dentist has a duty to see the bigger picture, not just isolated symptoms. When we visit the dentist regularly for six-month check-ups, we give them the time and context to observe changes holistically and spot potentially serious health issues—such as undiagnosed diabetes—that might otherwise go unnoticed until it’s too late.
Being consistent with dental appointments is not just a health matter—it’s also an aesthetic one. A clean, fresh breath, a symmetrical and beautiful smile, and the preservation of healthy gums and periodontal tissues are all beauty benefits that regular check-ups help maintain.
One quick tip: Right after your check-up, set a reminder in Google Calendar for your next appointment in six months—or ask your dentist to contact you when it’s time for a follow-up. This simple step brings you closer to optimal oral and dental health.
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