Why Regular General Dentistry Visits Are Important

If you have not taken advantage of general dentistry services, now is the right time to get the help you need. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is critical for your oral health and overall wellness. Part of this includes regularly seeing the dentist for routine checkups. You do not want to miss these opportunities. If it has been a while since you saw the dentist, you should make an appointment now. You also should realize why these trips to the dentist’s office are so critical.

General dentistry appointments: When to start and when to go

Seeing the dentist occasionally is not enough to keep a patient’s oral health in check. From the time a child starts getting teeth, these visits are necessary. People of all ages should make examination and cleaning appointments at least every six months. More frequent visits may be good if the person has concerns about tooth decay or gum disease. The dentist may put the patient on a maintenance or treatment plan that requires visits every two or three months.

Cleaning teeth

Regular brushing and flossing are vital to prevent the appearance of cavities and gum disease. People should brush at least twice a day and floss daily. But these activities alone are not enough. General dentistry appointments include thorough cleanings that go beyond what a patient can do themselves at home.

At a checkup, the hygienist will use an ultrasonic tool to remove plaque and tartar buildup. The hygienist will also floss the teeth and polish them. These steps will help the teeth to look nice. Just as important, this cleaning process reduces the risk of the person developing tooth decay and infections of the gums and teeth.

Identifying significant problems

People who never go to the general dentistry office for checkups may not know they have dental issues. Often, it is only at an examination where the person learns about a major concern. The dentist can find a variety of conditions by doing X-rays and hands-on exams. From there, the dentist can start the patient on the right treatment.

Stopping issues early

Another benefit of general dentistry is that the dentist can spot problems before they get worse. During an examination, the dentist may see the beginnings of a cavity or gum disease. The dentist may spot tooth damage before it is more noticeable. Treatment can start before it becomes an emergency and causes pain or distress.

Establishing good habits

When people make it a habit of seeing the dentist, it can start them on the path to oral health success. General dentistry services help patients become aware of what it takes to maintain good oral hygiene. A patient may feel added responsibility to brush and floss. These habits can continue through every stage of life.