Making regular trips to the dentist may not be at the top of your bucket list, but it’s an important part of maintaining your oral health. While regular brushing, flossing and rinsing is crucial to keeping your teeth and gums healthy, it’s not a substitute for regular cleanings and exams from your dentist. Here are three ways preventative dentistry makes a big difference.

1. It decreases your chances of developing common dental problems.

As you eat and drink normally throughout the day, particles from those substances stick to and stay on your teeth, forming a breeding ground for bacteria. If these pieces don’t get brushed or flossed away, plaque build-up results, which can eventually cause some more serious problem such as cavities, loss of enamel, gingivitis and even periodontal disease. Even if you’re a really good brusher and flosser, the truth is that there are places you can’t get to easily in your mouth and once plaque starts to build up, it has to be removed by a dental hygienist with a special tool.

2. It helps you maintain better overall health.

Your mouth is an important part of your body, and your oral health is an important part of your overall health. Keeping on top of your dental care and getting at least annual exams from your dentist — every six months is even better — can help reduce your risk of several systemic conditions, such as diabetes, osteoporosis, heart disease and even cancer. Poor oral health in pregnant women has also been linked to an increased risk of premature delivery and low infant birth weight.

3. It can give you better aesthetics.

Looks aren’t everything, but being able to smile with confidence can be a big factor in overall emotional and mental well-being. Getting regular cleanings and exams starting in childhood means that any orthodontic issues are more likely to be identified and corrected for a straighter smile and a more functional bite in adulthood, and continuing this habit through adulthood can help you keep your teeth for as long as possible. If you’ve been putting off going to the dentist for any reason — be it embarrassment at how long it’s been since your last appointment or just lack of time — don’t. A good dentist you feel comfortable with is an important part of your life and can make sure your teeth and gums are at their best.