Today, dentists recommend that every patient, from babies with their first tooth and all ages above, visit the dentist at least twice per year for a comprehensive oral exam and cleaning. Patients with periodontal disease may need to see the dentist more frequently.
The Importance of Regular Visits
Visiting the dentist two or more times per year brings significant advantages to your oral and overall health. These advantages include:
Monitoring Potential Problems
The dentist or hygienist will take X-rays once yearly to look for hidden signs of decay and other dental problems like abscesses.
Checking For Signs of Serious Conditions
You will receive a comprehensive oral exam at each visit. These examinations include checking for signs of periodontal disease, decay, and bite issues. Dentists also check for emerging signs of oral cancer, which is more treatable in its early stages.
Encouraging Positive Home Care Routines
The dentist and hygienist will give valuable instructions on caring for your family's teeth at home. They encourage children to follow a healthy routine.
Parts of a Dental Visit
Comprehensive Oral Examination
The comprehensive examination provides a periodic check on your dental health and helps the doctor diagnose potential problems. The doctor and hygienist can track your health conditions over time and recommend the best treatment.
X-Rays
Today's digital X-rays are quick and highly detailed. They show problems like tooth decay at very early stages.
Dental Cleaning
A twice-annual dental cleaning is a must for sparkling, beautiful teeth. Cleanings remove the accumulated plaque, tartar, and stains that build up on your teeth.
Fluoride Treatment
Children and adults alike can receive fluoride treatments, which reduce the rate of tooth decay in patients of all ages.
What Happens When You Do Not See the Dentist Frequently?
If you have healthy teeth, you may believe you don't need to see the dentist twice a year. However, you will miss important care that could prevent you from developing serious conditions like periodontal disease, which could lead to tooth loss.
When you do not take good care of your teeth, the hassle and cost of fixing these problems grows over time. Regular preventive care can keep your dental bills lower. For example, if you leave tooth decay alone, you may need a crown, root canal, or extraction later on. If you treat it promptly, a small filling may be all you need.
Call Dr. Howard Levitt
Regular dental care is a key component of good oral and physical health. Dr. Levitt can keep track of your changing oral health and provide valuable guidance on how to care for your teeth, as well as address ongoing problems.
Even if you have not seen the dentist recently, it is not too late to make a change that could positively impact your health. Please call our Newington, CT, office at 203-775-2225 to make an appointment for yourself or your child.