Although most people can keep their teeth for their entire life, tooth loss remains common. In most cases, you can avoid tooth extractions with regular dental checkups. Trident General Dentistry believes in preventive dentistry to prevent more costly dental treatment in the future. You can save time and money with regular dental checkups.
Learn more about how often you should go to the dentist below, and schedule an appointment with Trident General Dentistry today!
Why Are Teeth So Important?
It’s easy to take your teeth for granted until you have a toothache or need one removed. One of the first things people notice when you smile or talk is your teeth. Investing in your teeth is wise because healthy teeth:
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Allow you to eat a variety of foods.
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Help you pronounce words clearly.
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Give support to the muscles of your face and lips.
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Boost your confidence.
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Prevent the development of certain medical conditions.
Why Are Regular Dental Visits Important?
So, how often should you go to the dentist? Well, in addition to regular brushing and flossing, regular dental visits can help keep your teeth and gums in excellent health throughout your life. A major reason these appointments are necessary is that early detection and prevention can help save you time, money, and your health. In addition, when you keep these appointments, you receive these benefits:
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Oral cancer screening. Early detection of oral cancer can prevent a life-threatening condition.
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Dental X-rays of your jaws and teeth. Small cavities, early gum disease, dental infections, tumors, and cysts require an examination of various X-rays taken during regular dental checkups.
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Periodontal probing. Probing the gums around your teeth can spot small periodontal pockets before they cause more severe damage.
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Plaque and tartar removal. Even with regular brushing and flossing, you might miss removing plaque from an area or two. Regularly removing dental plaque can help prevent cavities and gum inflammation.
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Harmful habit check. Unhealthy habits such as clenching, grinding, nail-biting, and ice chewing can damage your teeth. Checking for these can prevent problems such as cracked teeth, TMJ disorder, and headaches.
Who Needs More Frequent Dental Visits?
Most people need regular dental checkups at six-month intervals. In some situations, Trident General Dentistry may recommend more frequent visits if you:
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Are pregnant
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Are more susceptible to tooth decay
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Have dry mouth
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Have diabetes
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Have a compromised immune system
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Have periodontal disease
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Smoke
What Happens If You Don’t Go to The Dentist?
Avoiding regular dental visits usually creates many problems, including:
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Dental cavities. Although tooth decay is usually preventable, it remains a common chronic disease in children and adults.
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Gum disease. Treating gum inflammation early can prevent the more destructive periodontitis, which is a leading cause of tooth loss.
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Tooth discoloration. Removing surface stains can prevent more permanent tooth discoloration from occurring.
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Bad breath. Plaque buildup around one or more teeth can cause halitosis.
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Tooth abscesses. Regular checkups can detect some problems that eventually lead to dental infections or abscesses.
What Can You Expect at Regular Dental Checkups?
Regular dental checkups typically involve two main parts:
1. Professional teeth cleaning. A dental hygienist sees you for a cleaning appointment that includes these procedures:
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Teeth cleaning. This involves the use of various instruments, including ultrasonic scalers. This removes any accumulated plaque and tartar from around your teeth.
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Polishing. Polishing uses a tooth polisher and dental paste. Polishing removes any residue and surface stain to make your teeth feel smooth and look white and shiny.
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Dental X-rays. These are taken if requested by Trident General Dentistry.
2. Comprehensive oral exam. Trident General Dentistry examines your mouth, head, and neck areas for any potential problems. The exam includes:
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Your teeth and gums get checked for tooth decay, dental infections, and gum disease.
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Your palate and throat areas get checked for tumors, cysts, or other conditions.
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The lymph nodes in your neck area get checked for any swelling or tenderness that indicates an infection or other disease.
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Your X-rays get reviewed for any potential problems.
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Trident General Dentistry will discuss your overall oral condition and makes any treatment recommendations.
Schedule an Appointment
It is important to know how often you should go to the dentist, to ensure preventative care. Call us today to schedule an appointment with Trident General Dentistry for a comprehensive exam and teeth cleaning to help keep your teeth and gums healthy for a lifetime.