The Importance Of Seeing A Dentist Regularly To Keep Your Teeth Healthy

Has it been quite some time since your last dental visit? If it has been longer than six months, you may want to consider scheduling an appointment with the dentist. There are several reasons why it is important to go to the dental office. You might brush regularly, but that does not necessarily mean you would be able to identify certain problems with your teeth until those problems start to get worse. For example, when bacteria sticks to the teeth, cavities can develop. If you are not experiencing any discomfort, you may not realize those cavities are developing until you start to experience some excruciating pain at a random moment. Some issues like this could likely be prevented if you make sure to make an appointment to go to the dental office.

Getting Your Teeth Cleaned: A Good Way to Eliminate Plaque

Whether you are experiencing pain or not, a thorough teeth cleaning is always important. While you can keep teeth clean between visits by brushing well and using a rinse designed to fight bacteria and freshen breath, a dentist can perform a more thorough cleansing by getting deep between each tooth and removing any plaque that has developed. It is easy for plaque to get stuck between the teeth because it is a buildup of bacteria that gets in your mouth when you eat food and drink different beverages. It is good to use floss at home to remove plaque, but the dentist may use a water flosser and a scaler to remove any traces of it from your mouth.

If you do not floss often and do not visit the dentist frequently enough, plaque between each tooth could eventually turn into tartar. Once it develops into tartar, it can no longer be removed at home with some floss. Instead, you would likely need to have it removed at the dental office because that buildup of bacteria becomes so hard. Even if you do not have cavities or any other issues with your teeth, it makes sense to have them cleaned at least twice a year to fight both plaque and tartar.

Checking for Damage and Decay: Treating Problems Right Away

Although some people may experience slight pain when cavities develop, it is not always the case. A person could have a cavity for an extended period without realizing it, and it could eventually get worse. If it does start to get worse, a filling may no longer be used to treat the problem and the dentist may need to complete more dental work in an attempt to save the tooth. By seeing the dentist regularly, you can constantly have your teeth checked for any kind of damage and decay. If a small cavity is developing, the dentist would likely notice it during the examination of the teeth or while reviewing the X-rays that were taken of your mouth. The dentist could then use a filling to cover the cavity and keep the tooth protected.

If a filling can no longer be used because the decay is far worse than expected, it may be necessary for the dentist to perform a root canal. The procedure is designed to save a decaying tooth from falling out by removing any part of the nerve that is damaged and infected and then covering the section of the tooth to keep it protected.

Some people are afraid of going to the dental office, and that is the main reason why they do not schedule appointments. However, the dentist just wants to help patients have the healthiest teeth possible. By making your appointment, it may be possible for you to keep your teeth cleaner and prevent certain issues from occurring, such as a buildup of tartar or a cavity that is so severe to the point that a root canal must be performed to save it. If you have yet to make your appointment, you might want to do so soon.

For more information and help with maintaining your oral health, contact your local dental office. 

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