Don’t believe regular dental checkups and cleanings are necessary? Each year, millions of adults skip out on their six-month appointments because of time, money, fear, and a disbelief that it’s necessary. Unfortunately, this mindset can result in extensive and expensive treatments that could have been prevented if caught early. Since October is National Dental Hygiene Month, find out why it’s so important to see your dentist for a checkup and teeth cleaning in Duncanville.
Why Are Six-month Checkups And Cleanings Important?
Did you know that every $1 you spend on preventive care can ultimately save you between $8 and $50 on restorative and emergency services? Brushing and flossing at home are great, but it takes seeing your dentist in Duncanville twice a year to ensure your mouth is thoroughly clean and healthy. When you are proactive about your oral health, it will pay off in the long run, as you’ll be able to enjoy a healthy, natural smile.
These regular appointments serve two purposes:
- Allow your dentist to perform a thorough dental checkup in Duncanville to check for any signs or symptoms associated with tooth decay, gum disease, bite alignment problems, or oral cancer.
- Remove plaque and tartar build-up and polish your teeth to ensure they’re clean and refreshed.
What Can I Expect?
Depending on when you received them last, you can expect to receive dental x-rays when you visit your dentist’s office. This typically doesn’t happen with each visit, but if it’s been some time, you can expect to have a full set taken for the dentist to review.
During the checkup portion of your visit, your dentist will come in and look over your x-rays before performing a visual examination of your oral cavity and facial structure. He’ll be looking for any cavity formations, gum pockets, and abnormalities that could be cause for concern. Should he discover anything that would signal a problem, he will generate a personalized treatment plan for you to review and discuss.
Once he is finished, a skilled dental hygienist will begin removing any plaque and tartar from around your gum line before flossing and giving your teeth a final polish.
Before you leave, you can expect to receive a few dental tips and suggestions on how to improve your oral health at home, too.
How To Keep My Mouth Healthy At Home
Since half of what makes a healthy mouth is seeing your dentist, the other portion is ensuring you maintain a healthy oral hygiene routine at home. Some ways to accomplish this include:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth twice a day for two minutes. Use fluoride toothpaste to combat tooth decay and strengthen tooth enamel.
- Floss between your teeth at least once a day.
- Rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash.
- Avoid eating too
- many sugary or starchy foods and beverages and try to maintain a well-balanced diet.
By dedicating just a few minutes each day, you can effectively care for your teeth and gums throughout the year. But don’t forget! Those regular dental appointments are the only way you can reach optimal oral health, so in combination with your at-home routine, make sure you see your dentist every six months for a thorough dental checkup and cleaning.