23 Dec Do I really need dental checkups every six months?
Seeing your dentist every six months is more than just a good idea. Many individuals save valuable time and money being proactive and taking preventative action.
The advantages of this one hour block of time every six months are numerous:
Clean teeth – Having teeth cleaned by your dental provider removes the plaque that has formed and built on teeth since your previous visit. Brushing and flossing daily is important, but the tooth brush cannot remove hardened plaque. Plaque build-up contributes to gum disease and cavities.
Dental exam – Teeth are inspected for problems like decay, the onset of gum disease, fractured or broken teeth, and the most important oral cancer exam. Some of these conditions can result in serious consequences if not caught in a timely manner.
Dental decay – A small cavity is much easier to repair. A cavity that goes unchecked can result in a very bad toothache and a large filling.
Gum disease – Symptoms of gingivitis include bleeding gums, chronic bad breath, swollen and unusually red gum tissue. But a dental exam may spot a potential problem before it reaches this stage. For patients that delay seeing the dentist when symptoms are present may allow the condition to evolve into periodontal disease which can ultimately lead to tooth loss.
Broken or fractured tooth – This problem may not be found without the benefit of a dental x-ray or an up close exam by a dentist. A hairline crack can allow bacteria to permeate the protective covering of the tooth. Once bacteria reach the nerve, sensitivity or discomfort may motivate you to see the dentist. But at this point, the only treatment that will likely salvage the tooth is a root canal. Being proactive might have prevented this action.
Life-saving oral cancer exam – This is a critical exam for everyone, but even more so for patients who use tobacco. Our dentists will examine soft oral tissues and around the tongue for lesions or anything suspicious. Areas of concern can receive a more extensive screening or a biopsy can be done and suspected tissue can be sent for further testing.
In addition to helping you maintain excellent oral health, these twice yearly visits will help keep your teeth looking their best. One hour of your time every six months is time well spent.
Contact our office to set up your next cleaning!