A thorough exam of your teeth and gums by a dentist every six months is an essential part of maintaining a healthy smile. Not only do dentists look for the obvious problems, like cavities, but they can detect the early signs of much more serious problems such as periodontal disease and mouth and throat cancer. To provide a complete evaluation or your condition it is necessary for the dentist to review current X-rays of your teeth to identify any problems that would be undetectable by a visual exam.

When dental problems are spotted early, they are much easier to resolve quickly. Catching the problem early ultimately saves you time and money, and keeps you pain free. These preventative benefits make oral exams well worth the effort.