The arrival of the first day of spring on March 20th is the perfect time to start spring cleaning. However, you may also want to take the time to focus on making sure that your teeth are receiving the cleaning they need as well.

According to the American Dental Association, going to the dentist regularly is necessary to have the best oral health. You should see your dentist at least every six months for a standard examination and cleaning.

Why Are Regular Dentist Visits So Important?

• Prevention: The routine dental visits are essential for preventative dental care. They can aid in stopping many dental issues before they start.
• Early Detection: Your dentist will be able to identify oral health issues while they are still in the early stages and can be treated more effectively. For example, when you have cavities treated early, you can avoid having to undergo expensive and time-consuming procedures, like a root canal or tooth extraction, that may be necessary for teeth whose untreated cavities caused infections.  
• Overall Health: Because there is such a strong link between the state of your oral health and your overall health, ensuring your oral health with regular dental visits has a significant role in taking care of your body. In fact, there are many medical conditions whose symptoms that can appear in the mouth.

What to Expect at a Routine Dental Visit

A routine dental visit generally consists of a thorough oral examination and cleaning.

During the examination, your dentist will typically:

• Examine your teeth for signs of tooth decay.
• Evaluate the condition of your gums.
• Conduct a head and neck examination to identify any abnormalities.
• Look for signs of vitamin deficiencies and any other oral or general health issues that may be identified by the state of your mouth.

During the cleaning portion of your visit, you dentist will clean your teeth and gums. Your teeth will also be polished and flossed. Your dentist will pay particular attention to tartar and plaque as they have a tendency to accumulate if you are not practicing good oral hygiene between your dental visits. If they remain long enough, they can harden on your teeth and irritate your gum tissue.

After your examination and cleaning, your dentist will advise you about the state of your teeth and gums. He or she may make certain recommendations regarding dental care. Depending on the current state of your oral health and your health background, your dentist may recommend adjusting the frequency of your dental visits.

Along with an effective oral hygiene routine at home, going to see your dentist on a regular basis can help you obtain and maintain good oral health. You can receive all of the dental services you may need at Premier Dental Care. Get in touch with us today!