You’ve heard about how important it is to visit your dentist, but you’re wondering, “Why?” If your mouth, teeth and gums feel fine, then why do you still need to see your local professional? Preventive care visits are one of the pillars of consistently excellent oral health, and as you read on, your dentist in Lawrenceville weighs in to explain more in depth how valuable these dental appointments are.
What Does Preventive Care Consist of?
Your preventive care visits are major defenders of your oral health because of two main features:
- Dental Cleaning – A great feature of the preventive care visit is the cleaning process. The trained dental hygienist will make sure that all of the stubborn plaque and tartar are removed from your mouth so that you can have a fresh start when you leave the office. This is very important because tooth decay begins with bacteria that develop into plaque and caustically eat into your enamel.
- Tedious Checkup – Along with the thorough cleaning, you’ll also benefit from two tedious examinations, one from your dental hygienist and the other from your dentist. By the time they’re done, they’ll have a firm grasp of what’s going on with your oral health to plan how to move forward in the most productive manner possible.
To get the maximum benefits, you should visit your dentist every six months to make sure that your oral health stays on track.
Danger Avoided with Preventive Care
Here are some of the major dental health issues that you can avoid by receiving consistent preventive care:
- Gum Disease – When bacteria are allowed to accumulate, they form a sticky substance called plaque that clings to your teeth and gums and releases acids that cause decay. Over time, it can make its way beneath the gumline and eventually lead to periodontal disease – the irritation and inflammation of the gums.
- Tooth Loss – Neglecting bacteria accumulation can also lead to tooth loss, as harmful agents work their way to the roots of your teeth and eventually destroy the connective tissue.
- Chronically Bad Breath – Bacteria love to find places in your mouth to snuggle and get comfortable, and one of those spots is the tongue. The bacteria bunker between the papillae – the little bumps on your tongue, and over time, this can lead to an odious environment.
You will always fare better when you take the proactive approach to your oral health. Along with brushing and flossing at least two times a day, visiting your dentist semi-annually will provide a level of comfort that’s empowering and encouraging. So reach out to your local dentist to schedule your first preventive care appointment today!
About the Author
Dr. Bruce Carter earned his dental degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry and has gone on to provide excellent dental care for over 30 years. Still, he remains eager to learn more and improve, which is why he pursues continuing education from several prestigious institutions, including the Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education. Dr. Carter helps patients prevent big dental problems at Transforming Smiles and can be reached for more information through his website.