The primary reason to go to the dentist is to keep your teeth in excellent health. During a tooth cleaning session, a dental hygienist can be much more in depth than you can at home.

The dentist has specialized equipment which is designed to remove plaque and tarter while cleaning all around the tooth. The dental hygienist can also offer tips and suggestions for keeping your teeth healthy, and will generally tell the doctor how the session went, so that he or she can address specific issues.

Most dental problems do not become painful or visible until they are highly advanced. Unfortunately, dental issues are usually irreversible, meaning that an extremely painful tooth will have to be drilled or extracted. By going to the dentist regularly, you can keep an eye on your teeth with the help of x-rays and a physical examination. The dentist can identify areas of potential risk and head off major dental problems at the pass. A dentist can also identify the need for gum grafts, braces, or other measures to protect the health of your mouth.

If you go to the dentist regularly, you will avoid high risk dental infections. Not only are cavities painful, they are also potentially very dangerous for you. The infection can spread to your bloodstream, for example, leading to septicemia. Early detection will save you pain, money, and potentially serious health problems. If you don't go to the dentist, you may also experience serious health problems down the line.