When you notice a problem with your smile, you know to reach out to your dentist. But did you know that your teeth and gums require routine attention from your dentist too?
On a regular basis, you should schedule dental check-ups with your dentist. These appointments involve thorough professional teeth cleanings as well as an oral exam. Though it may seem like a hassle to visit your dentist’s office regularly, these appointments can prevent serious dental issues, saving you money, stress, and dental work down the road.
But you may wonder how often to schedule dental check-ups to ensure your smile looks and feels its best. Your dentist can discuss personalized preventive oral healthcare with you when you call their office. But you can learn more about the importance of routine dental care when you read on.
Why Do I Need Routine Dental Care?
Patients of all ages and dental histories should schedule dental check-ups on a regular basis. Even if you do not notice symptoms related to your oral health, you will still need to see your dentist.
During a dental check-up, a dentist will clean your teeth using professional tools. Even if you practice diligent oral hygiene at home, plaque can still collect in tricky spots of your mouth that a toothbrush cannot easily reach. Then it can harden into tartar and wear down your dental structure.
A dentist will remove stubborn plaque and tartar to ensure your teeth can stay strong enough to resist cavities, surface stains, and other dental threats. The dentist also performs an exam of your smile, checking your teeth and gums for signs of potential dental issues. Then they can offer prompt intervention to protect your smile if they find a problem.
Skipping this dental attention may increase your risk of a dental emergency down the road. Save time, stress, and money by prioritizing preventive care from your dentist and attending routine dental appointments.
When Do I Book a Dental Check-Up?
The average dental patient should book a routine dental check-up every six months or so. This establishes an ideal window where a dentist can clean build-up from the teeth before it weakens the smile. And they can diagnose potential dental issues before they progress significantly.
Some dental patients might need to see their dentist more often. Senior-aged patients and those with certain underlying health conditions may need to visit the dentist three or four times a year for routine care. Call your dentist to learn about the dental care your unique smile needs.
What Do I Do During a Dental Emergency?
Accidents can happen to the best of us, and you might experience tooth pain, a knocked-out tooth, or another dental emergency before your next regularly scheduled dental check-up. If you have an oral health problem, do not wait to tell your dentist.
Contact your dentist as soon as you can about any new symptoms in your smile. They can help you schedule an urgent appointment to amend the issue before it worsens and causes irreversible damage to your smile.