Even patients who don’t adhere to the rule likely know that you should visit your dentist at least once every six months for a dental checkup and cleaning appointment. Nevertheless, postponing a dental appointment (or skipping it altogether) can be tempting to many patients, especially if they diligently care for their teeth and gums at home and assume that professional care isn’t a necessity at the moment. Today, we explain why dental checkups are important to prevention, and if you wait until you notice trouble to attend yours, then you may already be too late prevent an issue.
Brushing and Flossing Can Only Do So Much
Brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day is essential to maintaining a healthy smile. With over 600 different kinds of oral bacteria inhabiting your mouth at any moment, the plaque that they form is a constant and consistent threat. Your toothbrush and floss are your daily tools for controlling these mouth germs and their protective plaque. Unfortunately, your hygiene routine is subject to human error, and missing a spot or two is common. After about 48 hours, sticky plaque becomes calcified (hardened) tartar, which can effectively withstand your hygiene efforts to protect harmful bacteria as they attack your teeth and gums.
The Long-Term Value of a Short Checkup Visit
During your routine dental cleaning, your dentist or hygienist will carefully remove traces of bacterial plaque and tartar to reduce your risk of developing a dental disease. During the checkup part of your visit, your dentist will thoroughly inspect your oral cavity for early signs of trouble. For instance, tooth decay and gum disease begin long before you feel discomfort from the conditions. If your dentist notices that your gums are inflamed or receding, or if your teeth exhibit signs of enamel erosion that leads to decay, then he can prescribe an appropriate course of treatment to halt the disease before any damage occurs.
Schedule Your Next Dental Checkup Appointment
Maintaining a regular schedule of checkup appointments with your dentist is essential to keeping your smile healthy and beautiful for life. To schedule your next checkup, call Keelan Dental in Butler, PA, today at (724) 285-4153. Our Smile Certified experts happily serve patients from Butler, Cranberry Township, Mars, Pittsburgh, Butler County, and all surrounding communities.