Why Are Routine Dental Appointments Important?

How often do you visit the dentist for a checkup? According to the CDC, the average person should see their dentist at least once a year, even if they have no natural teeth. Routine dental appointments are important to your overall health and well-being. With help from your Clermont dentist, you can keep your smile looking beautiful, pain-free, and free of disease. Learn about what happens at a routine dental appointment and why it’s important to see your dentist regularly.

What Happens at a Routine Dental Appointment?

Routine dental visits are typically scheduled every six months. When you arrive, you may be asked to complete some paperwork, such as an oral health history. You’ll then be called into the exam room where a dental hygienist will begin your checkup with a teeth cleaning.

A standard teeth cleaning consists of the removal of plaque and tartar from the teeth and around the gum line. The hygienist will also floss and polish your teeth, and in some cases, take dental x-rays. Any findings are then reported back to the dentist.

Once the hygienist is finished cleaning your teeth, the dentist will perform a quick checkup to examine your teeth, gums, soft palate, neck, throat, and cheeks for any abnormalities. The dentist will also review any x-rays taken and recommend dental work that you may need to maintain your smile.

Reasons to See Your Dentist on a Regular Basis

If you are thinking about canceling your next dental appointment, you may want to reconsider. Routine dental appointments provide patients with a wide range of benefits, including the following:

1. Remove Plaque and Tartar Buildup

Even the best brushers miss plaque on or between the teeth, resulting in an accumulation of bacteria-riddled film. Over time, plaque can harden into tartar which can only be removed by a dental professional.

2. Detect Cavities Early

Dental cavities typically start small and grow larger in size over time. When you visit your dentist for routine checkups, your dentist can detect this decay before it has a chance to spread. The earlier that you catch a cavity, the less invasive and expensive the treatment.

3. Identify Gum Disease

It can sometimes be difficult to determine if you have gum disease, especially in its earliest stages. However, your dentist can identify the early signs of gum disease and provide you with the necessary treatment to prevent it from progressing.

4. Check Your Fillings

If you’re like many people, you probably have at least one filling. While fillings are meant to last, they can loosen over time and may require repair or replacement. Your dentist will check your fillings during your routine dental appointment and recommend treatment if needed.

5. Diagnosis Bad Breath

If you suffer from chronic bad breath, you may be wondering what to do about it. In many cases, brushing alone will not cure bad breath if there is an underlying cause, such as dry mouth (xerostomia), periodontal disease, or certain medical conditions. At your routine dental appointment, you can share your concerns with your dentist and receive advice on how to resolve your problem.

6. Detect Oral Cancer

One major benefit of routine dental appointments that many people overlook is the early detection of oral cancer. Your dentist will generally check your mouth for signs of oral cancer. This is especially important for patients that regularly smoke or use tobacco products.

7. Review Your Oral Health

Routine dental appointments are the perfect time to speak with your Clermont dental provider about any concerns you may have about your oral health. You can also ask for guidance regarding your nutrition or oral health habits and receive expert guidance.

Schedule An Appointment

Dental checkups are not just about getting your teeth cleaned. Routine dental appointments can provide both children and adults with a wide range of advantages. To learn more about why routine dental appointments are important or to schedule your next appointment with your dentist in Clermont FL, send us a message online or call 352-989-5815.