From a young age, we begin visiting dental practices on a regular basis. Although you habitually go to these appointments, you might wonder if these visits are actually necessary for your oral health.
The answer is yes. You need to attend routine dental check-ups in order to keep your smile looking and feeling its best. Though you might worry about the hassle of scheduling and traveling to a dentist’s office, this dental attention will prove highly beneficial.
You can feel more encouraged to make these appointments with your dentist when you know details about the advantages of this care. Read on to learn more about the importance of attending dental appointments as well as when to book them.
Why Do I Need Routine Dental Care?
A routine dental check-up involves a thorough exam of your smile as well as a professional teeth cleaning. Though you may brush and floss your teeth at home, these tools will not reach all areas of your mouth effectively. If plaque and other residues remain on your smile, your teeth can weaken and face a greater risk of cavities and more dental concerns.
The dentist will scrape away stubborn plaque and tartar to leave your smile stronger, fresher, and more beautiful. Plus, a dental exam will allow a dentist to identify early signs of dental problems. Then they can offer treatment before they cause significant damage to your smile.
The dentist will do a visual exam. But they also recommend regular x-rays to give them an internal view of your smile. Without this professional level of attention, underlying oral health issues could spread and harm the look and feel of your smile.
How Often Should I Schedule Dental Check-Ups?
Usually, a dental patient will schedule these routine check-ups every six months. This creates the perfect window for a dentist to clean their teeth in a timely fashion before they can accrue damage. And the dentist can diagnose and treat early stages of dental problems before damage can spread.
Some dental patients might require more frequent dental attention. They should attend appointments at a dentist’s office three or four times per year. Senior-aged dental patients, those who face a greater risk of forming tartar, and people with certain underlying health conditions might schedule these check-ups more often. Contact your dentist to learn the best preventive oral healthcare plan for your unique smile.
What Do I Do During a Dental Emergency?
Even with diligent preventive dental care, accidents can happen that may hurt your smile. If you suffer tooth pain, tooth breakage, or another dental emergency, do not wait until your next regularly scheduled check-up to tell your dentist. Call your dentist about changes in your oral health ahead of your appointment.
The dentist might ask you to attend an emergency dental appointment to evaluate the issue and offer swift treatment. In some cases, you could suffer irreversible dental damage without prompt dental attention. Make sure you get the care you need by calling your dentist right away in the event of an emergency.