Life gets busy, and it can be tempting to postpone a dental cleaning when your schedule is packed. If your teeth feel fine and you’re not experiencing any pain, skipping a checkup may seem harmless. However, those routine visits do much more than simply polish your smile. Regular dental checkups and cleanings play a vital role in preventing oral health issues before they become serious, painful, and expensive.

If you’ve ever considered delaying your semi-annual appointment, here’s what you should know about the risks of putting it off.