Once we start growing our first baby teeth, we begin visiting the dentist for routine check-ups. Though we grow into the habit of seeing the dentist, are these appointments crucial to keeping our smiles healthy?
The answer to that question is yes. You should schedule routine dentist appointments as vital preventative dental care and contact a dentist if you notice any concerns with your smile. Read on to learn more about why you should see your dentist on a regular basis for optimal oral health.
What Happens During a Routine Dental Visit?
When you visit your dentist for a routine check-up, they will begin the appointment by cleaning your teeth. They scrape away plaque and tartar build-up from hard-to-reach spots of your mouth.
Though you may practice good oral hygiene at home, you might miss some areas while brushing and flossing. A dentist will get rid of lingering harmful residues that could eat away at your teeth and leave irreversible damage.
Your dentist will also check your smile for any potential problems. They will look out for gum disease, cavities, and many other concerns. Early diagnosis of these issues will prevent harm to your smile that could require major restorative dental work.
They can also use x-ray imaging for a more in-depth evaluation of your oral health. This can monitor potential issues in your smile, such as the growth of wisdom teeth.
How Often Should I Go to the Dentist?
On average, dentists suggest getting these routine cleanings and exams every six months. This provides a good window to clean harmful residues from your teeth before they can wreak havoc on your smile.
This period of time will also allow dentists to find dental concerns and treat them before they can advance and become very destructive. With this type of preventative dental care, you can avoid dental emergencies.
Some patients may need to see their dentist more often than this. Senior-aged patients, people with a higher propensity for tartar formation, and those with certain medical issues might need to schedule these dental visits three or four times each year.
What Do I Do During a Dental Emergency?
Even if you visit your dentist regularly and take care of your smile at home, accidents can happen that can result in a dental emergency. In these instances, do not hesitate to call your dentist for an urgent appointment or for advice.
You should not suffer in pain or discomfort until your next routine visit. A dental emergency will often worsen without prompt intervention from your dentist. If you worry about the cost of an extra visit to the dentist, the cost of treating an advanced dental emergency could be more exponential.
Quick evaluation and treatment will allow your dentist to help preserve as much of your natural smile as they can. You can enjoy a better-looking and healthier smile when you do not ignore persistent dental concerns and seek dental services when needed.