Most of us think of dental visits as a way to keep our teeth clean and cavity-free, but your dentist may be your first line of defense for much more than oral health. During routine dental checkups, your provider isn’t just looking for plaque—they’re also trained to spot early signs of systemic health issues. Here are some surprising medical conditions your dentist may be the first to detect.

Even if you are a diligent brusher and flosser, regular dental visits are still a necessary step to achieve optimal oral health. However, many people put their routine dental visits on hold for various reasons. For some, it may be an effort to save some money. The truth is that you can save money when you visit your dentist every six months. Here are some of the ways that seeing your dentist can help you save money.