Now that you’ve kicked off the New Year, this is the perfect time to commit to your oral health and get back on track. Maintaining proper dental care is crucial to keeping you and your loved ones happy and healthy.
A healthy mouth relies on good dental hygiene and consistency which can help to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. It can lead to the well-being of your overall health which is linked to your oral health.
Benefits to Visiting the Dentist Twice a Year
Protect teeth from tooth decay
Scheduling regular dental checkups can help the outer layer of the teeth known as the enamel, stay strong and intact to fight decay. That’s why it is vital to catch tooth decay or any other dental problem early on while the issue is small because it will allow the dentist to remedy the issue quicker.
Prevent periodontal (gum) disease
The percentage of Americans over the age of 35 who are experiencing gum disease is quite high. With regular dental visits, gum disease is easily preventable. But if left untreated, gum disease can cause an awful lot of damage to your mouth and lead to more severe health problems such as respiratory illness, stroke, and heart disease.
Plaque and tartar check
It is very difficult to get every bit of plaque off our teeth. When plaque hides between our teeth or in the back of our mouths for extended periods of time, tartar will form. This increases the chance of gum disease. But if you visit the dentist every six months, the soft plaque will not have enough time to harden on the teeth.
Bite assessment
During your checkups, the dentist will assess your bite alignment looking for tooth grinding, jaw or neck pain, and sleep apnea. Scheduling your dental visits twice a year helps to make it easier to resolve oral problems that surface.
Professional teeth cleaning
Patients receive a cleaning as part of their regular dental checkup to remove tartar and plaque. Since your dentist can reach and clean better than you can at home, you will leave with your teeth feeling like new.
Save money
Scheduling dental visits twice a year can help to ensure you are preventing oral health issues before they start. In addition, developing a good oral regime that includes brushing twice a day and flossing daily, can also help to prevent cavities, gum disease, and infections.
Keeping regularly scheduled dental appointments will help to find solutions to problems that may arise sooner. This will save you time, discomfort, and even money. A dental checkup usually takes about an hour or less to complete. It gives the dentist a chance to make recommendations for any needed treatment or at-home hygiene care.
What To Expect at a Dentist Visit
X-rays
If x-rays are due, the dental hygienist will take them at the beginning of the appointment so that the dentist has time to review them before examining your mouth.
Cleaning and polishing
The teeth are cleaned using dental tools that remove plaque and tartar before being polished with a paste. The dental hygienist will floss your teeth and inform you of areas that may need more attention when cleaning.
Cavity detection
The dentist examines the teeth for any decay, cracks, chips, and other damage that may need to be repaired. Any changes in teeth are charted by the dental hygienist.
Existing dental work
Since fillings and other dental work do not last forever, the dentist also checks the condition of these during the exam. Recommendations are made for new filling, crown, or bridge if the existing one is no longer keeping the tooth strong and healthy.
Gum health assessment
The gums are checked for signs of gingivitis which can be reversed with proper at-home oral care and regular cleanings.
Maintaining regular dental checkups and cleanings is about preventative oral care. It helps the dental team determine if you are doing good with your oral hygiene or if you need to step it up a notch.
Since your mouth is the portal to the rest of your body, having proper dental care can help to prevent other medical conditions. Caring for your oral hygiene is linked to your overall health so scheduling dental visits regularly should be a priority.
Guilliot Family Dentistry is committed to performing the best oral care possible for you and your family because you are a priority. Our friendly caring staff will offer quality dental care while providing a comfortable experience.
Guilliot Family Dentistry has two locations serving the Acadiana area. To schedule an appointment today in Lafayette call 337-237-1843 or in Broussard call 337-252-7333.
You can also learn more about the other services we can provide to the whole family because everyone smiles in the same language!
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