You brush twice a day, that should be enough to maintain your dental health -- right? Here are five reasons you should get regular dental checkups twice a year.

Do you make a habit of going to the dentist?
Very few people like going to the dentist, but regular checkups are crucial for your oral health. Most of us know that we need to maintain good oral health, but in 2014, a survey found that one-third of Americans didn't go to the dentist in the previous year.
If you're not getting into the dentist's chain, small tooth problems can turn into big healthcare bills. Keep reading to learn more about why you should be visiting the dentist, and the health problems you might face if you don't.
Five Reasons To Get Regular Dental Checkups
Going to the dentist is notoriously annoying and sometimes even scary. About 40 million Americans admit that a trip to the dentist gives them anxiety.
While it might not be a pleasant experience, getting oral checkups is crucial for your overall health. If you're still not convinced, here are five reasons you need to schedule a regular visit with your dentist:
1. Prevent Cavities
You might think you can avoid cavities just by brushing your teeth and not overeating sugar. But cavities can develop from a buildup of plaque on your teeth, which will get worse if you're not getting a cleaning every month.
Cavities are usually simple to treat, but they can turn into more significant problems and require a root canal if you don't take care of them.
2. Whiten Teeth and Freshen Breath
Removing built-up plaque on your teeth has cosmetic purposes as well. If you're unhappy with how your smile looks, you should try to get a checkup more often. Removing plaque will make your teeth look whither and keep your breath fresh.
3. Detect Oral Cancer
Oral cancers are the sixth most common type of cancer in the world. When you don't see your dentist, you could have oral cancer and not even know it. People who smoke or chew tobacco are at an increased risk of developing oral cancer.
Don't wait until you start experiencing painful symptoms to see a dentist. X-rays and other typical procedures during a dental cleaning can detect oral cancer early and save your life.
4. Prevent Tooth Loss
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. The best way to prevent gum disease is to brush your teeth, floss and get a regular dental checkup.
Built-up plaque can make its way down the root of your tooth and start damaging the bone in your jaw. You can get this harmful plaque removed at your bi-annual teeth cleaning.
5. Save Money on Future Procedures
The main reason you see a dentist for checkups is to prevent problems from escalating. A dental cleaning might seem like a significant cost, especially if you don't have dental insurance.
But getting a cleaning as often as possible can save you money because it's a minor cost compared to root canals or more serious dental procedures.
Learn More About Good Oral Health
Oral health doesn't stop after your bi-yearly checkups. There are many things you can do to keep your teeth healthy and make you feel confident in your smile.
Cosmetic dentistry is something you might need if you're unhappy with your teeth or they've been neglected. Check out this article on everything you need about cosmetic dentistry.