Visiting the dentist may not be everyone’s favourite thing to do, however, making regular appointments to see the dentist is extremely important for maintaining healthy gums and teeth. It is recommended by dental professionals that you visit a dentist at least every 6 months. Poor oral health has been linked with many serious conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease, so prioritizing dental health care is a great way to protect your health. Here are some of the reasons why it is important to visit a dentist every 6 months.
Keep Your Gums Healthy
Gum disease can be a serious problem if left untreated. Dentists can stop the first sign of gum disease before it turns into a complication. If gum disease isn’t treated properly, it can progress to periodontitis condition. Periodontitis requires invasive and expensive treatments. If your gums aren’t treated properly, it can cause pain, bone loss, swelling, and eventually loss of teeth. Regular teeth cleaning can help prevent any of these issues. Your oral hygienist or dentist will use special tools that remove small bits of decaying food from between your gumline and teeth. This will prevent bacteria build up and keep your gums healthier.
Prevent Tartar and Plaque build-up
Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly won’t adequately clean your teeth as there are certain areas in the mouth that simply can’t get an adequate clean. Tartar and plaque buildup can accumulate in certain areas over time and do need to be removed and maintained every 6 months to achieve good oral health. If they are not treated this can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. Plaque is a sticky deposit that sticks to your gum line and teeth and is full of harmful bacteria. Plaque that is left on the teeth will result in tartar which discolours the teeth. If you visit your dentist every 6 months, this will keep your gums and teeth in a cleaner and healthier condition.
Prevents Tooth Decay
Your dentist can quickly identify tooth decay. Tooth decay occurs when the outer layer of the teeth is destructed from sugary foods. Tooth decay can get worse every 6 months as the plaque builds up and slowly damages the teeth. Visiting the dentist every 6 months can help prevent tooth decay from damaging the teeth and improve your overall oral health. The plaque and tooth decay can be reversed. If the condition is not treated, it can often cause dental cavities, irritate the gums, and cause pain. If small cavities are not treated, they can enlarge and eventually lead to issues such as crowns and root canal treatments, all this involves costly treatments and time.
Improve your Overall Smile
A healthy and happy smile boosts your confidence. Going to the dentist on a regular basis to maintain your teeth will improve your overall smile. Achieve that Hollywood smile with brighter, whiter, and healthier teeth. Prevent tooth decay, plaque, and stop gum disease with regular 6-month teeth cleaning with your dentist or dental hygienist. A dentist will leave your mouth feeling clean and fresh. Regular cleaning will also prevent your teeth from turning yellow. A dentist will eliminate any tiny food particles stuck in the teeth this is a magnet for bacteria which can also cause bad breath.
Save Money in the Long-Term
Having treatments at the dentist can be expensive. Crowns, root canals, and cavities are costly. If your teeth are not maintained on a regular basis you will start to run into these costly procedures. Regular care and maintenance will reduce your chances of developing tooth decay and gum disease which are likely to cost money for treatments such as tooth surgery. Identifying and treating dental related issues will save you a lot of money in the long term. Having a filling and teeth cleaning is a much cheaper option than root canals and other forms of teeth treatments.
Poor Hygiene and Dental Care can affect your Overall Health
Poor dental hygiene and tooth loss are directly related to inadequate nutrition and diet. In turn, this has direct links to existing general health and health conditions. Attending your dentist is more than just having a healthy smile, it is also to prevent serious health problems which can affect your quality of life. Oral diseases not only reduce the quality of life and wellbeing but can act as points from which other infections may spread throughout the body. Studies have shown there are links between oral infections and conditions such as respiratory infections and heart and lung diseases. Oral diseases that can cause bacteria can increase the risk of strokes and heart attacks by travelling to heart arteries and hindering blood flow. Visiting your dentist regularly is so important to prevent illnesses and maintain your oral health at a very high level.
Oral Hygiene at home can’t achieve Optimum Dental Health
Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at home regularly can help maintain your teeth and gums however it cannot completely clean your teeth for optimum dental care. Flossing and brushing won’t remove tartar, which forms when plaque builds up and hardens to the teeth. The main cause of tooth decay is tartar. The only way to remove this is by visiting your dentist regularly. A Dental hygienist will use special tools in a process known as scaling to remove plaque and tartar. The combination of flossing, brushing, and dental cleanings is the best way to prevent any problems with oral health care.
What should be done between your Dental Visits?
It is important to take care of both your gums and teeth in between your dental hygienist visits. It is recommended to develop an early and healthy dental care routine as early as possible so that good habits can form. Plaque is always forming on the teeth, but it can be managed by flossing and brushing your teeth every day. Tips for oral health care at home include:
- Brush your teeth twice a day morning and evening every day. It is the core of your dental care routine for at least 2 minutes at a time. Speak to your dentist if you are unsure about your technique.
- Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride toothpaste is effective, safe, and very beneficial for tooth decay.
- Floss your teeth every day. Ask your dentist if you are unsure about your flossing technique.
- Use a mouthwash after you brush your teeth. Use the product to rinse your mouth, teeth, and gums. It contains an antiseptic that kills harmful bacteria between gums and teeth. It will also keep your breath fresh.
