Top 3 Reasons See Your Dentist Regularly
How often do you go to the dentist? Do you follow a regular twice yearly schedule for dental cleanings, or do you wait until a problem arises, such as a toothache?
Regular dental visits are important for maintaining your oral health. Teeth cleanings and oral evaluations should be scheduled every 6 months for the prevention of tooth decay and gum disease. Preventive dentistry has many benefits, but here are the top 3 reasons to see your dentist routinely.
- Keep Your Natural Teeth in Place
The goal of regular dental visits is to keep your teeth healthy so that they can stay in place in your mouth. By removing plaque and tartar, cleanings protect your teeth from decay. Even if you brush your teeth twice a day, some plaque may still remain on the teeth. If it is not removed it will harden over time into tartar, which is more difficult to remove and more likely to cause cavities.
Plaque removal is also necessary to prevent periodontal disease, a bacterial infection of the gums that can cause a wide variety of oral health problems ranging from bleeding gum tissue to loss of teeth. Prevention and treatment of gum disease in the early stages are the best ways to avoid more severe oral health problems.
- Early Detection of Oral Health Concerns
Regular dental visits also include an oral evaluation. This is a thorough inspection of the tissues of the mouth, jaw, and throat to identify any oral health concerns, such as signs of early stage gum disease or abnormalities that may indicate oral cancer. When potential problems are detected early they are more easily treated, resulting in improved outcomes for patients.
Early detection of tooth decay improves the chances of saving the natural tooth. A cavity that is detected when it is small can be easily filled before it threatens the health of the tooth. If a cracked tooth or deep cavity is treated proactively with a root canal, the procedure is less complex and more likely to be effective.
- Improved Overall Health and Wellness
As dentists and medical professionals learn more about the connection between oral health and your general wellness, it has become increasingly apparent that regular dental visits play an important role in your overall health. In fact, oral health is considered to be a predictor of a variety of health problems from heart disease to diabetes.
By going to the dentist every 6 months you are taking an important step toward maintaining your oral health, which in turn reduces your risk of a variety of serious health conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Preventive Dentistry
Why are dental visits recommended every 6 months when physicals are yearly?
A lot can happen in 6 months when it comes to your oral health. Plaque can build up on the teeth and cause cavities. Small cavities can become larger, putting the health of the tooth at risk. Bacteria can infect the gum tissue, resulting in periodontal disease. Dental visits every 6 months can go a long way toward the prevention of these and other oral health problems.
Does dental insurance cover preventive dentistry?
Most dental insurance plans cover teeth cleanings and oral exams every 6 months or twice a year. These visits are usually covered at 100%, but some plans may have a copay or only cover a certain portion of the dental visit.
Schedule a Dental Appointment Today
Has it been more than 6 months since your last dental visit? If so, it's time to make an appointment with Hi-Fi Dental. We believe in the importance of preventive dentistry to maintain your oral health and look forward to being your dental home.
Call 602-242-5445 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.