The Importance of Regular Dental Checkups (and why they matter more than you think)

If you’ve ever Googled “dentist near me” and wondered whether you really need that routine visit, this one’s for you. At Burnaby South Dental in the High Gate area, we see every day how small, regular checkups prevent big, expensive problems later. It’s simple: a little time now saves you a lot of trouble later. And yes, the new Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) helps—more on that below.

Whether you call us your Burnaby dentist, Burnaby South dentist, or your go-to High Gate dentist, our goal is the same: keep your mouth healthy with care that feels easy, friendly, and not scary at all.

Why regular checkups matter (even when nothing hurts)

Pain is a late signal. Most dental issues—like cavities, early gum disease, and enamel wear—start quietly. A routine checkup lets us catch things when they’re small and simple to fix. That means:

Smaller fillings instead of root canals
Early gum care instead of gum surgery
Simple nightguard advice instead of cracked teeth
Lifestyle tweaks (like better flossing, or switching toothpaste) instead of major treatment plans

Think of us like your pit crew. You don’t wait for the wheels to fall off before you service the car, right?

What actually happens during a checkup?

A typical visit at our High Gate dental clinic includes:

Conversation & Health Review
We ask how you’re feeling, what’s changed, and what you’ve noticed—sensitivity, bleeding when brushing, jaw pain, headaches, etc. Little clues tell a bigger story.
Dental Exam
We check each tooth, your gums, your bite, the jaw joints, and do an oral cancer screening. Most of this is visual with gentle instruments; sometimes we’ll take X-rays if needed (we keep it minimal).
Professional Cleaning (Dental Hygiene)
Your hygienist removes plaque and tartar you simply can’t reach at home. This reduces inflammation, keeps gums healthy, and makes your smile feel so fresh.
Personalized Prevention Plan
We’ll show you easy changes with a big payoff: where to floss first, the right brush head, how to protect enamel from acid, and whether a fluoride or desensitizing paste makes sense.

You leave with a clear picture of what’s going on and a simple plan. No mystery, no pressure.

“My teeth feel fine. Can I skip?”

You could—just like you can skip oil changes. But here’s what we see when checkups are delayed:

Cavities grow quietly, and by the time they hurt, they may be bigger (and more $$)
Gum disease can progress without obvious pain, leading to bone loss that’s hard to reverse
Small cracks from grinding can become full fractures
Kids’ teeth miss early alignment and cavity-prevention opportunities
Medical links: gum inflammation is linked with diabetes control, heart health, and pregnancy outcomes

Prevention seems boring… until it saves the day.

How often should I come?

Most people do well with a checkup and cleaning every 6–12 months. If you have gum inflammation, braces, lots of fillings, or you’re a coffee/wine/tea lover (hello, stains), we may suggest coming a bit more often. Kids and teens? We like to keep an eye on growth, habits, and hygiene skills—they change fast.

Good news: CDCP covers routine checkups

If you or a family member qualifies for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), routine dental exams are included in the benefits. In plain words: the plan covers preventive exams (your regular checkup), with frequency limits that allow at least one routine visit every 12 months—often more, depending on the type of exam and your needs. Canada.ca+1

That means fewer barriers to staying on track. If you’re not sure about your eligibility, give us a shout—our front desk can help you navigate it in a few minutes.

Signs you shouldn’t wait

Book sooner if you notice:

Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
Tooth sensitivity to cold or sweets
Bad breath that doesn’t go away
A chipped tooth (even tiny)
Clicking or soreness in your jaw
Mouth sores that last longer than two weeks

These are common and usually easy to handle—if we catch them early.

What to do between visits (the “daily 5”)

Brush 2x/day for two minutes (electric brush if you can).
Floss daily—or use a water flosser if floss is annoying (we get it).
Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen enamel.
Sip more water (especially after coffee/tea/soda).
Wear a nightguard if you grind—saves enamel, fillings, and headaches.

Small habits, big change.

For families in the High Gate area

Parents, we’re kid-friendly. We make visits simple and calm, teach easy brushing tricks, and celebrate small wins. Teens who snack, sip sports drinks, or are in braces need extra support—regular checkups help prevent white-spot lesions and cavities around brackets.

Seniors: medications can dry the mouth (which raises cavity risk). We’ll tailor routine care, rinses, and fluoride to keep things comfortable and stable.

Why choose Burnaby South Dental?

Local, friendly team: We remember names, not just charts.
Modern equipment: Clear images, gentle cleanings, and efficient visits.
Prevention-first: We’re conservative—fix what’s needed, avoid what’s not.
Transparent costs: We explain insurance and CDCP in plain language.
Convenient High Gate location: Easy to find, easy to park, easy to book.

Whether you search “Burnaby dentist”, “Burnaby South dentist”, “High Gate dentist”, or simply “dentist near me”, we’re right here with the kind of care you can feel good about.

Quick FAQ

Does CDCP fully cover everything?
It covers many preventive and basic services (like exams, cleanings, X-rays) and some other treatments, with co-pay depending on household income and plan rules. But the key part for prevention: your regular checkup is covered, within frequency limits. If you’re unsure, we’ll check benefits for you before treatment. Canada.ca

I’m nervous about the dentist.
Totally normal. We take it slow, explain each step, and you can pause anytime. Most patients say, “that was way easier than I expected.”

How long is a routine visit?
Usually 45–60 minutes, depending on when your last cleaning was and whether X-rays are due.

What if I haven’t been in years?
No judgment—promise. We’ll start with a compassionate exam, prioritize what matters most, and get you back on track at your pace.

Ready to book?

If it’s been a while, consider this your friendly nudge. Regular checkups are the easiest, most cost-effective way to protect your smile. And with CDCP supporting yearly checkups, there’s one more reason to get it done. Canada.ca+1

Call or message Burnaby South Dental in the High Gate area to set up your visit. A healthy smile shouldn’t be complicated—and with the right routine, it isn’t. We’ll see you soon 🙂