Maintaining good oral hygiene at least every 6 months is recommended for anyone wishing to keep their teeth and gums healthy. Furthermore, going to the Dentist on a regular basis helps you prevent serious oral issues that could require more expensive treatments in the future.
Everyone’s dental needs vary. Depending on your oral health, your dentist may suggest visiting more or less frequently than every six months depending on how frequently your teeth need cleanings and exams.
Prevents Gum Disease
Your dentist can detect and remove the plaque bacteria responsible for gum disease, commonly known as gingivitis. If left untreated, small pockets may form between your teeth and gums.
Regular dental exams and cleanings, usually performed every 6 months, can detect these infections early and lead to less costly and invasive treatments such as root canals and crowns before they worsen.
Gum disease can also put you at greater risk for other serious medical issues, such as endocarditis and pneumonia.
Visiting your dentist and dental hygienist at least twice a year for professional cleanings and X-rays can prevent gum disease, which has been linked to other serious health issues. Furthermore, brushing twice daily and flossing frequently help remove plaque and bacteria that lead to gum disease.
Detects Oral Cancer
Regular dental exams and cleanings, especially when you have certain risk factors like smoking or drinking alcohol, are essential for early detection of oral cancer. Your dentist may perform an exam during each routine visit that includes checking the gums, tongue and other parts of your mouth for any suspicious growths or changes in color, size or shape.
Your dentist will inspect the roof of your mouth (hard palate), tonsils and other tissues in the throat for any abnormal growths. They use special tools like the VELscope(r) to detect precancerous or cancerous cells in these areas.
Additionally, they can use a screening dye that makes abnormal cells appear blue. After taking a sample with either a brush or piece of cotton, these cells can be sent off to be analyzed in the laboratory.
Prevents Tooth Decay
Regular visits to the dentist every six months can help keep your teeth healthy. Checkups and cleanings are the simplest, most economical way to prevent tooth decay and other dental issues.
Beyond brushing and flossing, good nutrition, plenty of water and avoiding sticky foods can also protect your teeth from decay. Sticky items such as gummies, hard candies, taffy, fruit roll-ups and snack bars tend to stick on teeth for an extended period of time, providing mouth bacteria with an abundance of sugar.
Plaque bacteria create acids which, over time, soften and dissolve enamel (the hard outer layer of your tooth). Bacteria then attack dentin (the underlying layer), leading to tooth decay.
Saliva is an effective natural protection against tooth decay, washing away sugar from your mouth into your stomach, stopping acid damage and combatting bacteria. Unfortunately, medications and certain medical conditions can reduce saliva flow and put you at greater risk for developing cavities.
Prevents Bad Breath
Bad breath is more than an embarrassing issue; it may be indicative of poor oral hygiene and gum disease. Your dentist can determine if this is the case and offer solutions.
Regular dental cleanings and check-ups are essential in preventing plaque buildup that can lead to halitosis. Furthermore, your dentist can detect cavities and other oral health problems that might cause bad breath.
Additionally, flossing your teeth and tongue daily is recommended. These areas are often neglected but can harbor food particles which could contribute to bad breath.
Brushing your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste helps remove bacteria and food debris that can lead to halitosis. It is also wise to use a tongue scraper to get rid of bacteria buildup on the back of your tongue which could contribute to bad breath.
If you need a dentist in Scottsdale or a dentist in Phoenix contact Studio B Smiles to schedule an appointment
