As soon as we start growing our first baby teeth, we begin seeing our dentists on a regular basis. When we get older, we might wonder if these routine visits to our dentists’ offices are worth the hassle of scheduling appointments. The answer is yes: we need this routine preventative dentistry to maintain good oral health.
But what role does this dental work play in the health and look of your smile exactly? Read on to learn more about why you should prioritize routine appointments with your dentist.
Routine Dental Exam
When you visit your dentist for a routine appointment, they begin by thoroughly cleaning your teeth. They scrape away plaque and tartar build-up from hard-to-reach spots in your mouth.
Your toothbrush cannot always access these areas, such as near the gum line. If these residues remain on your smile, they can eat away at your teeth and leave you vulnerable to dental problems like cavities.
Your dentist will also examine your smile during this check-up appointment. They check your teeth and gums for early signs of issues you might not notice on your own.
Then if there are problems, they can offer swift treatment so that you do not experience permanent dental damage. If you skip these routine appointments, the look and feel of your smile could be at risk.
How Often Should I Schedule Routine Dentist Appointments?
The average dental patient will need this routine care from their dentist every six months. This establishes the ideal window where a dentist can clear away plaque before it can hurt their teeth. And they can also diagnose new dental problems before they cause lasting harm to their smile.
However, some patients might need more frequent visits to their dentist. For instance, senior-aged patients, those with a higher chance of forming tartar, and people with underlying health problems may need to see their dentist three or four times a year. Consult with your dentist to form an individualized preventative dental care plan that will suit your unique needs.
What Do I Do If I Have a Dental Emergency?
Even with diligent at-home and in-office dental care, you might suffer an accident that hurts your oral health. Whether you notice sudden tooth pain or knock a tooth out, you should not wait until your next routine appointment to talk to your dentist. Call your dentist about a dental emergency as soon as you can.
The dentist will likely ask you to come to their office for an emergency appointment where they can evaluate and treat the issue. Delaying this treatment could result in a worsening problem that may leave you with irreversible dental damage.
Do not hesitate to contact your dentist with any concerns about your oral health. If needed, they can offer advice to relieve symptoms over the phone. But you can lower your risk of these emergencies by sticking firmly to routine preventative dentistry.