Going to the dentist regularly can prevent people who need root canal treatment and other dental procedures from ending up in pain.
The Virtual Medical Centre said a check-up with a professional every six months can stop decay and other problems in their tracks, as even healthy-looking teeth can harbour unseen issues.
It added: "They can also spot a root canal a mile away, long before it starts causing you to roll around on the floor in agony."
Patients were also advised not to be surprised if dentists take X-rays every two years, as this can also draw attention to small problems that can become bigger over time.
According to the British Dental Health Foundation, root canal treatment is needed when the blood or nerve supply to the tooth is infected due to decay or injury. In some cases, it may be clear that the nerve is dying due to discolouration of the tooth.