Take Advantage of the Benefits of Routine Dental Care

While some might believe visiting the dentist is only necessary for emergencies, routine dental care can be vital for oral health and overall wellness. There are a variety of benefits to seeing a dentist two or three times a year, no matter a patient’s stage of life. While regular brushing and flossing can help keep teeth and gums healthy, semi-annual dental checkups can help prevent possible problems before they become worse.

Setting up routine dental visits

Dental patients can set up semi-annual visits by discussing different oral needs with a local clinic. A dentist can form a treatment plan based on several factors, including:

• Age
• Health status
• Existing dental problems

Understanding the benefits of these visits can encourage those who might otherwise neglect to schedule them.

Teeth cleaning

Routine dental care usually includes teeth cleaning, where dentists remove plaque and tartar that daily brushing might not eliminate. Teeth cleaning can also help eliminate bad breath, improve the appearance of your smile, and may even prevent cavities. Depending on individual needs, dentists may schedule a cleaning twice a year.

Semi-annual cleanings can also prevent certain diseases, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Swallowed bacteria from plaque may cause such issues, which can have a negative impact on overall health.

Preventing cavities

Inconsistent brushing and flossing can cause cavities to form, and over time, can lead to serious issues like infections and toothaches. Planning regular dental visits can be especially important for young people, who are often more prone to developing cavities as they get older.

Dental education

While dentists are usually equipped to handle most emergencies, attending regular dental care can also help educate patients about daily at-home care. Learning how to floss and brush correctly can improve oral health between visits and reduce the risk of cavities and gingivitis.

Dentists can also recommend what types of toothbrushes are best suited for individual patients, such as bristle hardness and whether an electric toothbrush may remove plaque and clean teeth better than a manual style. This is often useful, as dental needs may change as people age.

Improved gum health

Gum health can be just as important as the condition of the teeth. When neglected, the gums can become inflamed as plaque builds up at the gumline. Over time, bacteria can enter the bloodstream via saliva and cause secondary health problems. Learning how to care for the gums at routine dental care appointments may prevent these issues and support overall wellness.

Gum wellness can also support the overall health of the teeth, as when gum disease grows worse, it can lead to receding gums and tooth loss. Dentists can monitor gum health when patients visit regularly.