Why You Should See The Dentist Every 6 Months

While it’s true that everyone’s teeth and oral health are different, one thing remains constant and that’s the need to visit your dentist at least twice a year. It is recommended that you have your teeth cleaned every 6 months, but this can vary slightly from person to person depending on the state of their oral hygiene and health.

People who suffer from dry mouth and are more prone to cavities may need to visit their dentist every 3 months, while others who rarely have any dental problems and maintain excellent oral hygiene may be able to spread out their dental cleanings a little longer than every 6 months.

Prevention

One of the biggest reasons for bi-annual dental visits is the prevention of gum disease, tooth decay, a buildup of plaque and tartar, and other serious tooth and gum problems. By having your teeth examined, your dentist can catch tooth problems before they get worse or potentially even before they happen. 

A dentist can spot teeth that are at risk for decay and keep an eye on them before you need to address them by getting fillings or some other procedure. However, if you never went to the dentist, you wouldn’t be informed about these risks and would carry along without a worry in the world, potentially worsening the problem.

More serious problems like infections and oral cancer should be monitored very closely. It is better to be preventive than to be reactive. Infections, if left untreated, can spread to other parts of the body and even be fatal. Oral cancer is quite common and can also be fatal. Dentists know the early warning signs and can stop things from getting worse. 

Deep Cleaning

You should get your teeth professionally cleaned at the dentist every 6 months. Your dentist will examine and take x-rays of your mouth while you’re there to check for dental decay. Professional-grade brushing, toothpaste, flossing, and fluoride are used during this treatment to scrub away plaque and tartar, protect your teeth from cavity risk, and ensure there are no food particles stuck in your teeth. 

If you don’t get regular cleanings, it’s easy for plaque and tartar to become trapped in your teeth, particularly on the backs of your teeth. Unfortunately, once you get a buildup of plaque and tartar, a professional dental cleaning is the only way to remove it.

The Benefits of Getting Regular Checkups & Cleanings

Getting regular dental checkups and cleanings will result in better oral health, hygiene, and the cosmetic appearance of your teeth. Other benefits include:

  • Saving money on costly dental work
  • Stopping gum disease
  • Preventing tooth decay
  • Removing the buildup of plaque & tartar
  • Catching early warning signs of cancer or infection
  • Identify impacted wisdom teeth

Be Proactive, Not Reactive

The best treatment for dental problems is prevention. Once you run into cavities, infection, gum disease, or gingivitis, you will need to seek additional dental treatment which means additional time spent in appointments and more money spent. 

Don’t wait to take care of your teeth, because it could cost you big time tomorrow. Due for a teeth cleaning? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Charles Poblenz at JAX Dental Studio today.