As soon as we grow our first baby teeth, we need to take care of our oral health. And caring for our teeth involves visiting the dentist on a regular basis. But as we grow into adults, we may wonder if going to the dentist so often is really necessary.
Yes, routine oral exams and teeth cleanings from your dentist will play a major role in keeping your smile healthy. And you can feel more encouraged to make these appointments when you know details about what happens during these dental check-ups. Read on to learn about the crucial dental attention you receive at your regular dentist appointments and when you should attend these visits to your dentist’s office.
Why Is Routine Dental Care So Important?
You should continue seeing your dentist for routine check-ups as recommended because these visits allow your smile to look and feel its best. And in doing so, you can stave off dental emergencies that can irreversibly hurt your smile.
The dentist begins these appointments by cleaning your teeth. They thoroughly scrape away plaque and tartar build-up throughout your mouth, especially hard-to-reach spots like near the gumline.
This dental attention ensures plaque does not linger on your smile and eat away at your dental structure. Otherwise, your weakened teeth could have a high risk of forming decay and other dental problems.
The dentist will also perform an oral exam during this appointment. They will examine your teeth and gums for early signs of potential issues. Then they can intervene when it is easy to treat and not yet wreaking serious havoc on your smile.
How Often Should I Schedule Dental Check-Ups?
The average dental patient will need to attend a routine check-up every six months or so. This window ensures the dentist can remove plaque before it becomes too dangerous. And they can find dental concerns and treat them before they cause too much damage.
But some people may need to visit their dentist on a more frequent basis. For instance, senior-aged patients, those with a high chance of forming tartar, and people with underlying health issues might need to schedule check-ups three or four times a year. Consult with your dentist to learn about the preventative dental care you will need to maintain your unique smile’s good oral health.
What Do I Do During a Dental Emergency?
Even with diligent preventative oral health care, accidents can happen to the best of us. You might suffer a dental injury or oral discomfort in between your regularly scheduled dentist appointments. If this occurs, do not wait until your next routine dental check-up to inform your dentist about the problem.
Call your dentist right away if you experience a dental emergency. They will likely ask you to come to their office for an emergency dental evaluation.
If you ignore the issue, it will likely spread and worsen, which may require more extensive treatment to amend down the road. Even if you think you can tolerate it, let your dentist know as soon as you can about any changes or issues in your smile.