Do you ever wonder if it’s actually important to visit the dentist once every six months? If so, you’re probably underestimating the many benefits regular dental cleanings and checkups can provide. Here are just three of the top ways you can benefit from making (and keeping!) those biannual dental appointments.

1. Brighten Your Smile

Everyone wants to have a bright, beautiful smile. Fortunately, it’s easier to achieve and maintain the type of small you want than you realize. Regular dental cleanings from your brooklyn ny dentist can minimize the appearance of stains from drinks or certain foods. It can also get rid of that nasty, yellow tartar that makes your teeth look drab and dirty. If your teeth look dirty and/or stained no matter how many professional cleanings you receive, you could benefit from professional teeth whitening services.

2. Prevent Cavities

Do you know what happens to your teeth if you don’t brush or clean them for a while? An off-white film called tarter builds up on their surfaces and eats away at the enamel. Left unchecked, tartar buildup can lead to tooth decay and pain. You can reduce your risk of developing cavities by visiting your dentist for regular cleanings.

3. Boost Your Overall Health

Many people are unaware that oral health is very closely linked to overall health. Studies show that the same bacteria that cause periodontal disease can potentially travel to other body parts through the blood stream. When this happens, conditions such as heart disease, pneumonia and birth complications can develop. By giving your oral health the attention it deserves, you can potentially boost your overall health and minimize your chances of developing certain diseases and sicknesses.

In addition to these notable benefits, regular dental cleanings can also freshen your breath, help you avoid tooth loss and save you money. As you can see, those short 6-month checkups are well worth your time.