You brush twice a day, floss every night, and use mouthwash to kill bacteria and other germs almost every time you clean your teeth – but that doesn't mean you never need to see a dentist. There's a lot more to tooth maintenance than everyday home care, even if you’re extremely thorough. Only a dentist can confirm that you’re doing a good job maintaining your teeth, and can provide the additional cleaning that is necessary for optimal dental health.
What's more, there are some health issues—like oral cancer or serious respiratory infections—that can manifest early warning signs in your mouth first, making a regular dental check-up essential for overall health.