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Going to the dentist is not exactly the idea of a fun time. In fact many find it comparable with torture. You sit in a chair holding your mouth open until it aches all while having a bright light shone in your mouth with a strange person hovering over you while scraping your teeth. On some occassions you may even be lucky enough to have a screaming tool drill away inside your mouth, or a foot long needle jabbed into your gums. The sad reality is that we should all visit the dentist on a regular basis. Maintaining the health of your teeth and gums can provide many health advantages. Here are three reasons why you should visit your dentist regularly:

1. A healthy smile means a health body. Studies have shown time and time again that oral health is linked to overall health. Even if you brush and floss when you are supposed to, a trip to the dentist provides a thorough clean which should be done every six months.

2. Oral checks. Although we may not hear about it all the time, oral cancer is actually quite popular, especially if you are a smoker. There are over 10,000 new cases each year in the US alone, not to mention the rest of the world. Furthermore, oral cancer has one of the highest mortality rates because often it is not caught on time and can spread very easily. Your dentist will check for anything abnormal in your mouth and earlier detection means a better chance of survival.

3. Prevention. As much as you hate to go to the dentist, you would hate to go back even more. Keeping on top of your oral health is as easy as having a check up twice a year. This way you can stay on top of any problems which could arise and possibly even prevent cavities that you would otherwise need to get filled.

The next time you are thinking that you would rather do volunteer work instead of going to your dentist appointment, remember why you are going. An hour or so twice a year is not so bad if you think about all of the long term benefits.