Going to the dentist is a crucial part of a healthy lifestyle. Dentists keep your teeth clean, your mouth healthy, and your smile bright. As a rule of thumb, you should plan on visiting the dentist every six months.
The Need for Cleaning
One of the most important parts of seeing the dentist every six months is getting a full cleaning. Brushing and flossing help dental hygiene and keep plaque off of teeth and should be performed twice a day. Despite your brushing and flossing cleaning efforts, you will still need a cleaning every six months to remove the buildup of plaque, tartar, and other harmful material in your mouth.
Flossing and fluoride
At your appointment, your dental professional will also floss your teeth. They will also apply a coat of fluoride onto your teeth. This fluoride is applied closely with a small brush and a water stream to clean away any excess. This treatment helps to protect your teeth from cavities and to rebuild your enamel. Rebuilding enamel starts to reverse some of the damage that is caused by eating sugar and other foods that are bad for your teeth.
Looking For Dental Issues
Another important reason to visit the dentist every year is to keep a close eye on any dental issues that may arise. The dentist will look closely at your teeth and gums. They will perform tests to look for tooth decay and issues within your gums. They will analyze the strength of your enamel and look for cavities as well as look for tooth discoloration. Last, they will look for any problems with the jaw, and take x-rays to further examine your mouth. The dentist will also look for more serious mouth problems, such as gingivitis or oral cancer.
Cavities, Tooth Decay, And More
Some dental issues are obvious and will cause pain and discomfort. Others are more subtle and harder to detect. Not all problems can be seen with the naked eye, especially towards the beginning of their development. This is why it is important to keep up your dental check-ups regardless of if you think your teeth are healthy or not. Your dentist or hygienist will have the tools necessary to look inside your teeth for early signs of decay or disease.
Seeing the dentist every six months will help keep your teeth looking and feeling clean, and will also help prevent more serious dental issues. By having a professional check for any issues within your mouth, you can spot problems early and treat them before they become too serious. Your semi-annual checkup can serve as preventative dentistry and can save you lots of time and discomfort with dental problems in the future.
If it’s time for your check-up, or if you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, give us a call. Twin Dental can help your teeth regardless of your dental situation and get you back on track for a healthy and happy smile.
