It?s what every kid dreams of: an end to dentist office visits! Dentistry is continually moving forward, and according to dental researchers, cleaning with nanoparticles can help save patients from having to visit the dentist for a regular cleaning.

?[The nanoparticles] are designed to stick to the tooth structure, so the bacteria already there would be slowly eliminated,? explained Anil Kishen in an interview with The Daily Beast. Nanoparticles could also help to repair enamel, which normally gets worn down over time (and does not get regenerated).

Why don?t we have nanoparticles already? Migration is the largest problem. Nanoparticles may be great for the teeth, but they can be harmful if ingested, and scientists are still working on ways to keep them localized. For now, in other words, you?ll still need to find a dentist in order to get your teeth checked up on. Here?s a few things you should know for your next dental appointment.

Why is it Important to Visit a Family Dentist?

It?s easy to put off any sort of routine checkup, but dentistry is one you?re not going to want to skip. About 178 million people in the U.S. are missing at least one tooth. Regular dental appointments can help to prevent cavities from occurring, and can also detect problems before they become serious health risks. Gum disease is a common problem, for example, and it can cause loose teeth and expose vulnerable sections of your teeth to plaque.

What is a Cosmetic Dentist?

For better or for worse, teeth problems are often one of the first things people notice when they meet you. Whether it?s a chipped tooth or discoloration, you may not like the idea of living with this problem for the rest of your life. Cosmetic dentists can help fix these issues and give you the beautiful smile you?ve always wanted. Porcelain veneers are one option; these are thin, porcelain shells fitted over the surface of the tooth. They can hide the appearance of cracks, stains, and even small gaps.

Can I Find a Dentist That?s Affordable?

If you have a dental insurance plan, a checkup is typically included. If not, the cost is usually under $100 per visit (before services like x rays, etc). Think of it as an investment in one of your most important assets — and one of your few features that won?t be getting wrinkly with age!