“See you in six months!” is most likely a phrase you’ve heard after every single dental check-up appointment. Spring is a great time to consider stopping by our dental office to clean your teeth and ensure that your mouth is healthy.
If you’ve wondered why it’s essential to see the dentist biannually, it’s due to several different reasons. Not only do we want to see you, but our dentists also want to make sure your oral health is in check. This gives us the opportunity to correct small problems before they escalate into bigger ones.
The Importance of Teeth Cleanings & Check-Ups
Teeth cleanings and dental check-ups go hand in hand. Making a dentist appointment twice a year gives your teeth a nice polish, but it also makes sure you are keeping your dental health a priority. Just like seeing the doctor or servicing your car periodically, taking the time to have a dentist examine your teeth will save you from worry and reduce the need to spend money on emergency dental procedures.
Why the Six Month Rule?
The six-month rule was actually established many years ago when dental health wasn’t as easily achieved. Dentists were only seen in the event of a dental emergency. With the introduction of toothpaste in the 1900s, advertisers encouraged consumers to brush their teeth twice a day and visit the dentist twice a year.
Visiting your dentist twice a year is a minimum for those with good dental health. You may need to visit the dentist more frequently if you:
- Are prone to cavities
- Smoke nicotine products
- Are pregnant
- Have gum disease
- Have diabetes
By having your mouth examined at least twice a year, our dentists have more than one opportunity a year to identify and fix small problems. And don’t worry! You won’t need to have x-rays done every single check-up.
Dental Check-Up Process
A routine dental check-up will follow the same process typically. It begins with an examination of your teeth, gums, and tongue before moving onto the fun part: the teeth cleaning!
Examination
One of our dental hygienists will begin the appointment by examining all aspects of your mouth to make sure everything is healthy. This examination includes checking:
- Gum tissue
- Any infection/inflammation of the gums
- Teeth for any needed repairs (cracked, chipped, or a broken dental filling)
- Cavities
- Gum pockets
Once our hygienist is done with their examination, one of our dentists will stop by to confirm the examination and expand on anything that may appear to be a problem. Our dentist will offer a solution if there is any problem and then explain the remedy.
Cleaning
After the examination is wrapped up and the dentist speaks with you, our hygienist will begin teeth cleaning, otherwise known as prophylaxis. Teeth cleaning gives your mouth some much needed TLC and ensures that plaque can’t build up to give you more problems in the future.
Teeth cleanings typically include the removal of tartar called “calculus” and plaque (biofilm). After your teeth are nice and smooth, one of our hygienists will polish up your teeth and apply fluoride to them. When fluoride is applied, you won’t be able to consume any hot foods or beverages until the fluoride is set.
Benefits of Routine Visits
Dental check-ups are simple and offer so many benefits that save you time, money, and reduce the need for you to make emergency visits to the dentist.
Preventative Care for Your Teeth
The most important reason for routine check-ups is to monitor your dental health. Keeping a close eye on the health of your teeth and gums can drastically reduce your risk of developing gum disease or tooth decay. Both of these dental problems can be avoided with good oral care and routine check-ups with the dentist.
Saves You Money
Fixing a small dental problem during a check-up is going to save you both time and money in the long run. Cleaning plaque from your teeth during a routine teeth cleaning prevents buildup over time which could turn into a more costly dental problem.
Dental procedures required to save an infected tooth or reverse prolonged decay are significantly more expensive than a bi-annual dental check-up. Schedule an appointment today and your future self will thank you!
Prevent Other Health Problems
Not only are you diminishing the risk of serious dental problems, but routine check-ups can also help prevent a number of other health problems. Having a routine dental cleaning and examination can reduce your risk of:
- Osteoporosis
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Endocarditis
- Diabetes
Visit Park Avenue Dental for Your Next Teeth Cleaning Appointment
Spring may mean cleaning out your home and getting a headstart on chores for the year, but don’t forget about your teeth! If you haven’t had a dental check-up and teeth cleaning in a while, now is a great time to schedule an appointment. At Park Avenue Dental, we are committed to giving you the best service and the most amount of comfort. Call us today to schedule a check-up!
