6 Reasons to Schedule a Dental Checkup Every 6 Months

July 10, 2025


If you’ve been following our blogs, you already know that keeping your teeth and gums healthy involves maintaining a routine that includes brushing your teeth twice per day, flossing daily and as needed after meals, and using an American Dental Association-approved mouthwash. There’s also one more component of a robust oral health routine, which is scheduling and attending a dental checkup every 6 months.

At a dental checkup, a hygienist will thoroughly clean your teeth before your dentist comes in to inspect them. Your dental team may also take x-rays, perform fluoride treatments, conduct gingivitis tests, and more to assess your oral health. If they identify any issues, they may schedule additional appointments to take care of them.

Because your dental checkups are your dentist’s only chance to identify oral health problems, it’s crucial that you get checked twice per year. Contact a general dentist in Chicago that’s reliable like American Dental. 

Have a Brighter Smile

While dentistry isn’t necessarily focused on the appearance of your teeth, keeping your teeth and gums healthy will make your smile whiter and brighter. No matter how good your home oral health care may be, getting a professional cleaning every 6 months will remove plaque and tartar buildup that is difficult or impossible to remove on your own.

Regular professional dental cleanings not only help maintain the natural brightness of your smile but also play a critical role in preventing more serious oral health problems. Plaque and tartar buildup, if left untreated, can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and even tooth loss. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, begins with inflammation of the gums caused by bacterial buildup. Early-stage gum disease may cause your gums to bleed during brushing or flossing, but if ignored, it can progress to more severe forms that damage the bone supporting your teeth.

Professional cleanings include scaling and polishing, which effectively remove hardened tartar and surface stains that regular brushing cannot tackle. Dentists and hygienists use specialized tools to reach below the gum line and clean areas that are difficult for you to access at home. This process helps prevent the development of cavities and maintains the overall health of your gums and teeth.

Additionally, these visits allow your dental provider to detect early signs of other health issues that manifest in the mouth, such as oral cancer, vitamin deficiencies, or systemic diseases like diabetes. Early detection through routine dental exams can be life-saving.

Maintaining these regular appointments also gives you the opportunity to discuss any concerns or changes you notice with your smile or oral comfort. Whether it’s sensitivity, discomfort, or cosmetic issues, your dentist can provide guidance tailored to your needs.

Keep Your Gums Healthy

Speaking of plaque and tartar, their presence around the gumline can irritate the gums, causing health issues. Your gums may bleed excessively, they may be swollen or painful, or they may start to recede from your teeth, exposing the sensitive roots. At your twice-annual dental checkup, your dental team will remove plaque and tartar to prevent gum irritation and stop many long-term oral health issues in their tracks.

When plaque and tartar accumulate along the gumline, they create an environment where harmful bacteria thrive. These bacteria release toxins that trigger inflammation in the gums, leading to a condition called gingivitis. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and is reversible with proper dental care. However, if left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more serious and potentially irreversible stage where the inflammation spreads below the gumline and begins to damage the tissues and bone supporting your teeth.

One of the most concerning effects of untreated gum disease is gum recession, which can cause your teeth to appear longer and increase tooth sensitivity. As the gums pull away from the teeth, pockets can form between the teeth and gums, allowing more bacteria to collect and worsen the problem. This creates a vicious cycle that, without intervention, can eventually lead to tooth mobility and even tooth loss.

Regular dental visits are crucial because dental professionals can identify and treat gum disease early, often before you notice significant symptoms. Professional cleanings remove the hardened tartar that brushing and flossing cannot eliminate, helping to reduce inflammation and promote gum healing. Additionally, your dental team can recommend personalized oral hygiene techniques or products that help keep plaque buildup under control at home.

Preventative Care

Missing a single dental checkup isn’t likely to cause immediate problems, but over the long term, you will be more likely to develop problems like gingivitis, gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss if you miss multiple appointments. With preventative care, like regular cleanings and fluoride treatments, you can slow the progression of any existing issues and stop new ones from developing.

Skipping dental appointments can also mean missing out on early detection of oral health issues that may not yet be causing noticeable symptoms. Problems like cavities, cracked teeth, or even oral cancer can develop silently. Your dentist’s trained eye and specialized tools are essential for spotting these concerns early when treatment is simpler, less invasive, and more affordable. Preventive care goes beyond just cleanings; it includes assessments of your bite, jaw health, and the condition of existing dental work like fillings or crowns. This comprehensive approach helps catch small problems before they become painful or costly to fix.

Moreover, maintaining a consistent dental routine supports better overall health. Research has shown that untreated oral infections can increase the risk of systemic conditions, including heart disease and diabetes complications. Regular visits keep your smile healthy and contribute to your body’s well-being. Ultimately, staying on top of dental appointments is an investment in your long-term health and confidence. American Dental even provides emergency dentistry in Lincoln Square. 

Have More Confidence

Again, having a beautiful smile doesn’t have to be your primary goal in keeping your mouth healthy, but if that motivates you, we think it’s a good thing! Everybody feels more confident when they have bright, white teeth and fresh breath, so scheduling a checkup every 6 months will help you have better self-esteem.

A healthy mouth contributes significantly to your overall sense of well-being and confidence. When your teeth are clean and your gums feel good, it’s easier to smile freely without hesitation. This boost in self-esteem can positively impact many areas of your life, from personal relationships to professional interactions. Plus, fresh breath plays a huge role in how others perceive you, and regular dental visits help keep bad breath at bay by addressing the root causes such as bacteria buildup and gum inflammation.

It’s also important to remember that oral health reflects your general health. A bright smile is often a sign that you’re taking good care of yourself. By prioritizing routine dental care, you’re not only investing in your appearance but also in your long-term health. And the best part? The habit of visiting your dentist twice a year sets a strong foundation for maintaining that confident smile well into the future.

Improve Your Overall Health

Many studies have shown that there is a link between your oral health and the health of your body’s other systems. Having poor oral health puts you at a greater risk of developing conditions like diabetes, heart disease, respiratory problems, and more. By maintaining a proper oral health routine that includes regular dental checkups, you can reduce your risk of developing these and other conditions in the future.

The mouth often serves as a gateway to the rest of the body, so infections and inflammation in your gums can trigger or worsen systemic health issues. For example, bacteria from gum disease can enter the bloodstream, contributing to inflammation elsewhere, such as in the arteries, which increases the risk of heart disease. Similarly, people with diabetes may find it harder to control their blood sugar levels when they have untreated gum disease. This connection highlights why dentists often collaborate with other healthcare providers to ensure a comprehensive approach to your health. Prioritizing your oral care is truly an important step toward protecting your overall wellness.

Save Money on Healthcare

As is the case with many health issues, oral health problems are generally less expensive to treat the sooner they are caught. For example, if you start taking better care of your oral health now, it may prevent you from experiencing tooth loss and having to undergo an expensive dental implant procedure in 30 years. In addition, the link between oral health and overall health means that keeping your teeth and gums healthy now could prevent expensive health issues that could arise in the future.

If it’s been a while since your last dental checkup, we encourage you to schedule one as soon as possible, and to schedule another one in 6 months. Schedule an appointment today! 


Is Fluoride Harmful for You? Fact vs. Myth

Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in food and water, and it has been the center of a great deal of controversy since it began to be used in dentistry in 1914, and especially when cities began adding it to municipal water supplies starting in 1945. While this humble mineral has been shown to strengthen teeth and reduce the occurrence of cavities, many people believe that it is harmful.

In the interest of separating fact from myth, the team at American Dental would like to tell you more about fluoride, how it is used in dentistry, and clear up any confusion about the harm it may present. American Dental, the best children’s dentist in Chicago, can help you today! 

History of Fluoride Use in Dentistry

The story of fluoride in dentistry begins in the early 1900s, when a dentist named Frederick McKay was searching for the cause of the severe tooth discoloration that existed in the community where he practiced, and in a few other communities around the country. Through his early work and the efforts of subsequent researchers, it was found that fluoride in drinking water was capable of bonding with tooth enamel, and that teeth that had bonded with fluoride were incredibly resistant to decay. While the high levels of fluoride found in these early studies did cause discoloration of the teeth, dental scientists hypothesized that, at a specific level of fluoridation, patients could realize the benefits of fluoride without experiencing discoloration.

That hypothesis was put to the test in 1945, when fluoride was first added to the water supply of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Over the next decade, researchers monitored the rate of tooth decay in the city, finding that it had dropped more than 60 percent after the water was fluoridated. After the study was completed, cities all over America began adding fluoride to their water supplies, toothpaste companies began adding it to their products, and dentists began using fluoride to treat their patients.

What Is Fluoride Made Of?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral made up of the element fluorine combined with other elements such as calcium, sodium, or hydrogen. In nature, fluoride is found in small amounts in water, soil, plants, and even some foods. When added to public water supplies or dental products, fluoride usually comes in the form of compounds like sodium fluoride, fluorosilicic acid, or sodium fluorosilicate.

These compounds release fluoride ions, which help strengthen tooth enamel by making it more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria in the mouth. This process helps prevent tooth decay and cavities. The forms of fluoride used in water fluoridation and dental care are carefully regulated and tested for safety, ensuring they provide dental benefits without harmful effects.

Can Fluoride Harm You?

Critics of fluoride have made a range of claims about the mineral, inferring that it causes cancer and other issues, that it causes a condition called fluorosis, and that its consumption causes people to become passive and easily controlled. Only one of these claims has any validity.

Fluorosis is a condition that causes streaking and discoloration of the teeth. This is a very real condition that is caused by overconsumption of fluoride; in fact, it was the very condition that Frederick McKay sought to cure. Through his research and the work of others, it was determined that too much fluoride exposure, especially in the first 8 years of life, could cause the teeth to become stained. While fluorosis is certainly a concern, the levels of fluoride found in drinking water, toothpaste, and dental treatments are not nearly high enough to cause it. Fluorosis is also a purely cosmetic condition that does not harm the teeth or the body in any way.

As for other claims, they don’t hold water. The link between fluoride and cancers, and specifically the rare childhood cancer osteosarcoma, has not been conclusively established despite numerous studies on the subject. In addition, there has been no causal link found between fluoridated water and the development of autism or other conditions.

Addressing Concerns About Fluoride

Some critics have claimed that fluoride in water could be used for mind control or large-scale pacification. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. Very little research has explored this theory, and the studies that do exist are often questioned for their validity. The vast majority of healthcare professionals and dental experts agree that fluoride does not have any psychotropic effects and cannot influence the mind in such ways.

When it comes to dental health, the benefits of fluoride far outweigh any minimal risks. Fluoridated water, fluoride toothpaste, and professional fluoride treatments are all proven to significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay—a major oral health concern. We want to reassure you that consuming fluoridated water and using fluoride toothpaste is safe, and regular fluoride treatments recommended by your dentist help keep your tooth enamel strong and healthy for life. Learn more from the best dentist in River West, Chicago. 

How Fluoride Prevents Tooth Decay—and Why It Sometimes Doesn’t

Fluoride is well-known for its ability to prevent tooth decay, making it a key component in dental care worldwide. It works primarily by strengthening tooth enamel, the hard outer layer of your teeth. When fluoride is present, it helps rebuild weakened enamel through a process called remineralization. It also makes the enamel more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth, which are the main causes of cavities. Additionally, fluoride can slow down the growth of harmful bacteria, reducing their ability to produce decay-causing acids.

Despite its benefits, fluoride is not a cure-all. Tooth decay can still occur if oral hygiene habits are poor or if fluoride exposure is insufficient. For example, if you don’t brush and floss regularly, plaque and food particles remain on your teeth, providing fuel for bacteria. Also, a diet high in sugary or acidic foods and drinks can overwhelm fluoride’s protective effects. People with dry mouth conditions or other health issues may be more vulnerable to decay despite fluoride use.

In some rare cases, excessive fluoride intake can lead to dental fluorosis, a cosmetic condition affecting the appearance of enamel, though it doesn’t cause decay. Overall, fluoride is highly effective in reducing cavities when combined with good oral hygiene and a balanced diet. Regular dental visits ensure that fluoride treatments and daily care work together to keep your smile healthy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the evidence is clear: fluoride is a safe and effective mineral that plays a vital role in preventing tooth decay and promoting oral health. While concerns and myths about its use have circulated over the years, scientific research and decades of practical application confirm that fluoride benefits far outweigh any minimal risks. Proper fluoride use—in water, toothpaste, and dental treatments—helps strengthen enamel, reduce cavities, and support a healthy smile throughout life. 

At American Dental, we encourage you to rely on trusted dental professionals and credible information when making decisions about fluoride. By combining fluoride with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, you are taking the best possible steps toward maintaining a healthy mouth and overall well-being for years to come. Schedule an appointment today! 

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