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We always hear about how we need to visit the dentist every six months — sometimes even every three months. However, many people take their teeth for granted and go to the dentist only when urgently necessary. That’s probably because most of us don’t know why we should go in the first place.
What exactly happens when you go for a routine dental visit? We answer this question in this article to help you understand the importance of regular dental care.
What Does Routine Dental Care Entail?
Routine dental care is going to the dentist at least every six months or as recommended by your dentist. A regular dental check-up usually has two components: comprehensive examination and cleaning, as well as preventive care.
Comprehensive Oral Examination and Cleaning
The first step in a routine dental care visit is a comprehensive oral exam. During this process, your dentist will perform a general evaluation of the overall health of your teeth and gums. They will check for the presence of cavities and gum disease. They may also look for early signs of disease, such as cancer, by examining your face, neck, gums, and throat.
Oral Preventive Care
Oral preventive care is meant to keep your teeth healthy by reducing the risk of problems developing in the future. Your dentist or oral hygienist may use special instruments, like an ultrasonic scaler, to clean your teeth and gums thoroughly. They will look for signs of potential problems and guide you to reduce risks of disease in the future. For example, if you show signs of gum disease or cavities, they will guide you to reduce the risks of these conditions developing or worsening in the future.
Dental X-Rays and Dental Impressions
Your dentist might need to perform other diagnostic procedures to get a better picture of your oral health. With a dental X-ray, they can see the condition of your entire teeth, up to the farthest molars. They could even check if you have any teeth growing under your gums.
In some situations, dentists may need to make an impression of your teeth. They will ask you to bite on a soft mold to create the impression. Dentists can analyze the bite marks on the material to check bite quality.
Why is Routine Dental Care Important?
Here are the benefits of getting routine dental care:
Remove Plaque and Tartar Buildup
Do you like eating sugary or starchy foods? If so, you might be more prone to develop plaque. Left unchecked, this sticky film of bacteria can harden into tartar, making it even harder to remove. Fortunately, a dentist can scrape it off during your regular check-ups.
Check For Tooth Decay
Plaque and tartar form from the remains of food stuck on your teeth. Bacteria thrive on these remnants and produce acids that create small cavities in your teeth. If these cavities are left untreated, they can grow and cause your tooth to decay.
To prevent this, your dentist can check for early signs of tooth decay during routine visits. They can also recommend further dental procedures, such as dental sealants, to prevent cavities from getting worse.
Prevent Worse Oral Problems
In addition to tooth decay, other potentially severe oral problems can happen if you do not visit your dentist regularly. During a routine check-up, your dentist can look for signs of gum disease. They can also look for issues in your tongue and throat to prevent them from becoming more severe.
Improve Your Smile and Build Your Confidence
Keeping your mouth healthy can also be great for your mental and social health. If you have great teeth, you won’t be embarrassed to smile in pictures. Also, if you have fresh breath, you will be more confident talking to other people. You can get all of these benefits through regular visits with your dentist.
Trusted Dental Care in Eugene, OR
Even if you do not have severe dental problems, you should still seek regular dental care. Regularly scheduled visits to the dentist help prevent dental conditions before they develop. They also stop minor problems from worsening. Visits to your dentist help keep your mouth healthy and increase your confidence.
If you are near Eugene, Oregon, visit Dr. Ari Binder at 360 Dental. Dr. Binder is an expert in a wide range of general and restorative dentistry procedures.
If you need to schedule a dental care appointment with Dr. Binder, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us! Contact our office today at (541) 689-1645. You can also fill out our online appointment request form. Together, let’s make your smile healthy and beautiful.
