Have You Visited Your Dentist Recently?

You brush your teeth every morning when you get up and every night before you go to bed. You floss daily and regularly rinse with mouthwash. You might even wear your retainer each night if you have received orthodontic treatment. Overall, you maintain great oral hygiene on a daily basis. However, you keep rescheduling that dental appointment. Don’t sell these visits short. Even if you maintain the best possible oral health on your own, you still need to keep up with your appointments with your dentist. Your dentist knows your teeth better than you do, and they have the modern technology to detect what the visible eye can’t see on your teeth.

Depending on the state of your oral health, your dentist will recommend a timeline of when you should be stopping in for an appointment. Typically, patients should visit their doctor twice a year for routine cleanings and exams. But in some cases, patients need to see their dentist more often. Whether you need more extensive dental care or just a regular check up, you need to keep up with these appointments in order to ensure that your oral health needs are met.

During a regular visit, your dentist will evaluate your gums, teeth and tongue, checking for the early signs of periodontal disease and/or tooth decay. Your dentist might also take x-rays, check your bite, and look for any changes in your gums. In addition to the exam, you will receive a teeth cleaning. Your dentist has special tools to clean off any tartar or plaque build-up that at-home brushing cannot remove. Your dentist will also polish and floss your teeth. Once your mouth has been evaluated and cleaned, your dentist will make recommendations and inform you of the state of your oral health.

While practicing good oral hygiene on your own is very important, your dentist serves as a great resource. Your dentist can recommend brushing and flossing techniques that you may not be using and answering any questions you may have about the state of your oral health. Also, your dentist has the tools to give your mouth a deeper cleaning that will rejuvenate your smile. He or she can offer dental care that is customized to your individual needs.

In between your dental visits, be sure to take care of your teeth and gums at home. Plaque is always forming on your teeth. Be sure to brush your teeth twice a day and try to use toothpaste that contains fluoride. Floss everyday and use a mouth rinse to help get rid of plaque bacteria. This will help to freshen your breath. You can also take preventative measures by reducing the amount of food intake that is high in acidity and sugars. These foods tend to eat away at your enamel and once your enamel is gone, you can’t get it back.

When’s the last time you’ve stopped in for a visit with your dentist? In order to maintain your beautiful and healthy smile, it is critical to keep up with your appointments. Continue to maintain good oral health at home, but be sure to visit your dentist at least twice a year. Don’t put it off--call your dental office in Asheville today.