We all know the drill (pun intended) – brush twice a day, floss daily, and maybe even use a fancy electric toothbrush. But even the most dedicated at-home routine can’t replace the importance of regular dental visits. Here’s why scheduling those checkups is about more than just a sparkling smile.
Think of your dentist as your oral health detective. Regular visits allow them to catch problems early before they become bigger issues (and potentially costlier to fix). Cavities, gum disease, and even oral cancer can often develop without any noticeable symptoms. Early detection means early intervention, leading to easier and more affordable treatment.
How Often Should You Go to the Dentist?
Ever wondered why the American Dental Association and your dentist advise returning every six months? It’s because regular dental visits are crucial for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Between these examinations, it’s vital to diligently care for your teeth and gums to keep them clean and healthy. If additional assistance is required, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits.
What Goes On During a Dentist Visit?
During a comprehensive dental examination, your dentist or dental hygienist conducts various assessments beyond checking for tooth decay. They typically evaluate the health of your gums, perform a head and neck examination to detect any abnormalities, and examine your mouth for signs of oral cancer, diabetes, or vitamin deficiencies. Additionally, they may inspect your face, bite, saliva, and movement of your lower jaw joints (TMJs).
Cleaning your teeth is another essential aspect of the appointment, during which your dentist or dental hygienist stresses the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene at home between visits.
Special attention may be given to plaque and tartar, as they can accumulate quickly without proper oral hygiene practices and lead to gum disease. Staining from food, beverages, and tobacco may also be addressed. If left untreated, plaque can harden on the teeth and cause irritation to the gum tissue.
Overall, during your regular dental appointments, your trusted Peoria dentist, Dr. Bischoff will typically examine your gums, mouth, tongue, and throat as part of the routine examination process.
The Clinical Dental Examination
Next, your dentist assesses the state of your teeth and gums by:
- Examining the gums
- Looking for signs of gum disease
- Checking for loose teeth
- Examining the tissues inside your mouth
- Examining your tongue
- Checking your bite
- Looking for visual evidence of tooth decay
- Checking for broken teeth
- Checking for damaged fillings
- Looking for changes in the gums covering teeth
- Evaluating any dental appliances you have
- Checking the contact between your teeth
- Taking X-rays
During the dental cleaning phase:
- Checking the cleanliness of your teeth and gums
- Removing any plaque and tartar
- Polishing your teeth
- Flossing between your teeth
- Reviewing recommended brushing and flossing techniques
Once the examination and cleaning are completed, your dental professional will discuss the health of your teeth and gums with you and provide any additional recommendations. Regular visits every six months, along with routine examinations and cleanings, are essential. By maintaining this schedule and practicing good oral hygiene at home, you increase the likelihood of keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
