You might think that if you are diligent about brushing and flossing at home, you can visit a dentist's office less often. However, general dentistry professionals agree that regularly visiting a dentist is important for your dental and overall health, even with good oral hygiene. In addition, there are numerous reasons it is a good idea to keep up with routine checkups, one of which may prevent future issues.
Most patients are encouraged to visit their dentist every six months. However, those with chronic oral or dental issues and certain risk factors may need to see the dentist more frequently.
One of the main reasons to visit the dentist is to prevent problems with the teeth and gums. Although at-home dental care is helpful and important, it is insufficient to eliminate all the tartar and plaque. As a result, these build up on the teeth and can eventually cause infection and decay.
During a dental visit, you will receive a professional cleaning. First, the technician will scrape off built-up plaque and tartar with a tool called a scaler. Next, your teeth with be polished to remove stains, clear away bacteria, and smooth them. After this process is complete, we will floss your teeth.
One important step in this general dentistry visit is the oral exam. The dentist closely analyzes your teeth, gums, bite, tongue, and other soft tissues of your mouth. Although it does not occur at every visit, the dentist may take X-rays of your teeth to check for potential issues that may not be apparent from a visual inspection alone. This exam can detect the early stages of tooth decay, enabling the dentist to treat it before it becomes a bigger problem.
The dental exam may also catch the early stages of gum disease. There are three stages of this disease, and there are often few, if any, symptoms at first. A dentist can detect this issue right away so it can be treated. The late stages of gum disease are irreversible, so early detection is imperative.
During the exam, you will also be checked for signs of oral cancer. People who are at high risk of this are those who smoke or chew tobacco.
If you have fillings from previous cavities, the dentist will examine them to ensure they are still in good shape and are not damaged or decayed.
During this visit, you have an opportunity to ask the dentist questions or bring up any concerns. If there are problematic areas, the dentist may recommend something you can do at home to improve your oral hygiene.
Seeing a dentist twice a year for cleanings and examinations has numerous benefits. These routine appointments significantly reduce the risks of developing tooth decay and gum disease. While both can lead to serious dental issues, such as cavities, infection, and even tooth loss, periodontal issues can also have a negative effect on your overall health. People with chronic or severe gum disease have an increased risk for many serious diseases or conditions, including:
Regular professional dental care can prevent or improve gum disease, reducing these risks and improving overall wellness.
Routine dental visits also allow patients of all ages to build a good relationship with their dentist while developing a sense of familiarity with the office. This can put people more at ease and reduce the risks of developing dental anxiety. People who rarely visit the dentist or only schedule an appointment when invasive treatment is needed are much more likely to develop a fear of dental care. This can create an unhealthy cycle that results in poor oral health and a continuing need for more procedures that could have been avoided.
Finally, dental checkups usually include examinations and screenings for serious dental health problems. These are often done in the form of dental X-rays. Early detection of certain problems, including bone loss or infection below the surface, can lead to a more appropriate treatment plan and a better outcome for patients.
In general dentistry, visiting the dentist helps prevent dental problems, such as gum disease and tooth decay, and catches issues early on. Therefore, scheduling regular visits should be a part of your dental hygiene routine.
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