07 Dec Safeguard Your Smile with Preventive Dental Care
Some patients wonder why they need to see a dentist twice a year when they’re not experiencing any issues with their teeth. Preventive dental care is essential to preserving a healthy smile, and routine care plays an important role not only in maintaining your smile but also in diagnosing any problems in their earliest, most treatable stages.
When your dentist examines your teeth at regular, relatively brief intervals, it’s easier to detect any changes that could be cause for concern. For example, when you have appointments every six months, dentists may be able to identify minor cavities that can be resolved with a small filling. Postponing dental care could give these small issues the opportunity to become major problems.
In some cases, these routine exams can even be life-saving, if the dentist identifies early stage oral cancer, which is often fatal if it spreads outside of the mouth.
The hygienist plays an important role in your care, as well. The semiannual professional cleanings you get at your checkups help to minimize the presence of plaque and tartar and the oral bacteria that can wreak havoc on your smile. The hygienist can also give you tips to make sure you’re getting the maximum benefit from your home oral hygiene routine.
After all, preventive care doesn’t just take place in the dentist’s office. Your home oral hygiene habits are just as important as the routine check-ups and professional cleanings you get. Be sure to brush at least twice a day and do so for two minutes each time. Daily flossing will also help to keep your smile clean and fresh and reduce plaque and tartar build-up.
Get your dentist’s suggestions for any additional steps that you may want to add to your regimen, such as using an anti-bacterial mouthwash on a daily basis.
It’s also better to be established with a dental practice if you do experience a need for emergency oral health care. That way, the staff will be familiar with your case if the need for immediate care arises.
If you’ve been putting off scheduling your next dental check-up, contact our team at Friendly Dental Care soon to get back on track. Routine exams and cleanings can help you keep your smile beautiful and functional.