Many people only go to see their dentists when they have specific dental issues that are bothering them. However, it really is worth getting into the habit of going for routine check-ups, rather than waiting until you develop a noticeable oral health problem. Read on to find out why.

It could save you time and money

Whilst it might sound a bit counterintuitive, paying your dentist to check your teeth on a regular basis could actually save you time and money in the long run.

If your dentist examines the condition of your teeth and gums once every six months or so, there is a very good chance that they will be able to identify and resolve minor dental problems long before they evolve into far more serious issues that will cost a small fortune to fix.

For example, if you develop a small cavity, your dentist will be able to spot this during your check-up appointment and then fill it promptly before further decay occurs. Filling a cavity takes very little time; most dentists can complete this particular procedure in less than an hour.

However, if you don't bother going for check-ups, the cavity could grow in size to the point where it cannot be rectified with a filling, in which case you would need to have a crown fitted. Having a crown fitted will not only cost a lot more than having a filling, but it will also take much longer; in most cases, it takes at least a week or two to complete the entire fitting process.

It could spare you a lot of physical pain

There are few things more distressing than the pain associated with serious dental issues. If you would rather not endure this type of pain, it's important to visit your dentist on a regular basis.

If for instance, one of your teeth starts to decay and you fail to notice this because you have not made an effort to attend your routine dental appointments, the decay could erode your tooth enamel to such an extent that the inner pulp (where the nerve endings and connective tissues are housed) becomes exposed.

If this should happen, bacteria could enter through the tooth's eroded enamel and begin to multiply on the surface of the pulp. This, in turn, could lead to the development of an abscess, a severe infection which can be excruciatingly painful.

Conversely, if you see your dentist regularly, they will identify and address the decay long before it poses a risk to the health of your tooth pulp.