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It's not "Just a Cleaning":
Why visiting the dentist regularly is so important |
Ever think of regular dental checkups as a hassle? Do you avoid making an appointment with a dentist until you're convinced you've got a problem that requires treatment? Sometimes find yourself stretching those 6-month cleanings to 8, 12, or 16 months? If you're a dental procrastinator, you're certainly not alone! Common though it may be, this attitude leads to very risky behavior. Let us give you some very good reasons to be diligent in seeing a dentist regularly. |
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First of all, at-home dental care is just a start! Even if you are meticulous about the care of your teeth and dutifully brush and floss daily, your teeth need a professional cleaning periodically. On the other hand, if you're like most people and your dental care lapses occasionally, you have an even greater need. Brushing and flossing remove plaque, a soft sticky substance; but calculus, a hard build-up that accumulates on teeth between dental visits, must be removed with our specialized tools. Think of it like 'spring cleaning' for your mouth; those chores that only get done from time to time (like cleaning behind the fridge or wiping down fan blades) still must be done, and you must have the proper tools to do them. |
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Although we delight in developing friendships with our patients, we DON'T ask to see you in our office twice a year to 'do some catching up.' During these regular visits, our team gets a chance to check your mouth for early signs of very serious problems. Small cavities ignored become advanced tooth decay which may require more than a simple filling; and ailments like gum disease and oral cancer can be devastating if allowed to take over a mouth. In many cases, a problem caught early can be treated and perhaps cured; whereas, the same diagnosis made months later could require expensive procedures and time-consuming maintenance demands. |
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Hopefully, we established that preventative dental care is unquestionably in your best interest. Keep in mind that the 6-month rule of thumb is the best schedule for most patients... those treating problems like gum disease or who are predisposed to excessive plaque buildup may need to schedule appointments more frequently. If you have questions about how often you should see a dentist, we'd be happy to discuss a timeline with you. And if you're one of the many Americans putting off a dental visit indefinitely, consider this your wake up call. We'd love to help you get back on track. |
