An important part of keeping your teeth healthy is making regular visits to the dentist for cleanings and checkups. As a general rule, you should get to the dentist every six months (or as recommended by your dentist) to maintain your oral health.

But why are these regular visits so important? Consider the following:

  • Uncovering potential issues: At your dental appointment, the dentist or hygienist will carefully inspect your mouth to determine if there are any potential issues or problems on the horizon. They will take x-rays of your teeth to locate possible cavities or other issues, and will perform thorough visual inspections of your teeth and gums. By going to the dentist twice a year, you will undergo frequent inspections that will allow you to uncover these potential issues before they become significant, making them much easier to resolve.

  • Keeping teeth and gums healthy: The other part of your dental appointment is the cleaning. Your dental professional will use special tools to remove tartar buildup on your teeth, especially along the gum-line and in hard-to-reach places. Tartar can become a source of infection if left to build up around and under the gums. They will also polish your teeth and then thoroughly floss.

  • Getting good dental advice: Dental professionals can advise you in additional methods of care you can implement into your daily routine, as well as in certain procedures you might need or be interested in, such as tooth extraction or replacement, caps, bridges, dentures, whitening, etc.

At-home tooth maintenance

Of course, every dentist will tell you that what happens at your regular dental checkups is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to maintaining your oral health. It is important you make good oral care a part of your regular routine at home. This includes:

  • Brushing: Brush your teeth at least twice a day, using proper brushing technique and a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Get all over your mouth and on every surface, front and back, including the molars at the very back of your mouth. Brush your tongue as well to help control bad breath.

  • Flossing: You should floss at least once a day to remove food and debris from between your teeth and gums and to prevent tartar buildup in those areas. Your regular dental checkups will go much smoother if you maintain a regular flossing regimen!

  • Mouthwash: Consider using a mouthwash with regularity to control bacteria and to keep your breath fresh.

Contact Your Local Dental Clinic

Interested in learning more about our dental care services? Contact us today at Teche Action Clinic and we will be happy to answer any questions you have and to schedule your next appointment.