When is the best time to visit your dentist?

How frequently should You visit the Roanoke dentists?

Children and adults should see a dentist every six months for a cleaning and oral exam, says everyone in the U.S. dental field. Dental insurance usually covers two checkups, and this allows dentists to find problems while they are still small and easy to treat.

Most of the time, your dentist will tell you how often you should see him or her for a checkup and cleaning. Although there are rare exceptions, most people who maintain good oral hygiene only need to visit the dentist every six months. If you are one of the following, your dentist may want you to see him or her more often for cleanings and exams:

If you’re pregnant

Due to the changing hormone levels that come with pregnancy, pregnant women may be more likely to get cavities and gum disease.

If you’re a cancer patient

Some cancer treatments can dry out the mouth, which can make it more likely for cancer patients to have problems with their teeth and gums.

If you’re diabetic

Diabetes could make gum disease and other problems with oral health worse.

If you’re a smoker

Smoking after deep cleaning can make you get gum disease and make it harder for your body to heal after oral surgery or dental work.

If you’re a heart patient

Since bacteria in the mouth can get into the heart, it’s important to take care of your mouth if you want to avoid heart disease. Compared to those with healthy mouths, those with poor dental health have increased rates of cardiovascular issues. Getting your teeth cleaned and checked regularly may lower your risk of getting heart disease.

Inform your dentist in Roanoke, TX if any of the aforementioned requirements apply to you.

What to Expect During a Dental Exams and Cleanings

A typical dental examination lasts about an hour. During this appointment, your dentist in Roanoke, TX and dental hygienist can check your oral health and give you advice on any care and maintenance you need to do at home. Even though each dentist office sets its own rules for check-ups, you can usually expect the following at your appointment every six months:

X-Rays

In order to give Dr. Antolin time to evaluate them before inspecting your mouth, the dental hygienist will take any necessary x-rays at the beginning of the visit if you need them.

Cleaning and Polishing

The advantages of a dental cleaning are numerous. The hygienist will clean your teeth with scalers and other tools that gently remove plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth and just below the gum line. Then, they will use a paste to polish your teeth and floss between each one.

Your hygienist could tell you where to pay extra attention when doing your after care for teeth whitening. They can also tell you how to brush and floss your teeth the right way.

Screening for oral cancer

Your dentist might look at your teeth and gums after he or she checks for oral cancer. This means checking your palate, tongue, neck, inside of your cheeks, and other parts of your mouth for signs of cancer. They will also feel your throat and jaw from the outside to see if there are any problems.

Since they are more likely to detect it than another medical professional, your dentist is typically the first line of defense when treating oral cancer. This is one reason why it’s important to have regular dental exams. Oral cancer can spread quickly, so finding it early is important for treatment to work.

Cavity Detection

The next step is for your dentist to look at your teeth for decay, cracks, chips, and other damage that might need to be fixed. They get help from the dental hygienist, who keeps track of which teeth need care.

Existing Dental Work’s State

During an exam, a dentist checks the state of fillings and other dental work because they don’t last forever. If the current filling, crown, or bridge isn’t keeping a tooth strong and healthy, they will suggest a new one.

Gum Health’s Assessment

Also, your dentist will check the condition of your gums for signs of periodontitis or gingivitis, which are the early stages of gum disease (the later stages.) They will look for places where the gums have pulled away from the tooth because bacteria and plaque have built up below the gum line.

Gingivitis can be prevented and treated with regular dental cleanings and good oral hygiene at home. On the other hand, periodontitis needs specialized care from a periodontist.

Now that you know how frequently you should visit the dentist, and you are due for a checkup.

At Garden Valley Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, our kind, considerate garden valley team will make you feel at ease and give you an anxiety free dentistry throughout your appointment. Make an appointment with us to have your teeth cleaned and examined.