Many of us only go to the dentist when we’re having a problem, like pain or a broken tooth, and otherwise don’t see the dentist as often as we should. Most dentists recommend to their patients attend dental exams and professional cleanings every six months, and there are several good reasons why this is important.
Scheduling and keeping regular appointments with Dr. Shawna Hoffert of Red Maple Dental in Asheville, NC will help your teeth and even your body stay healthy for years to come.
What To Expect At A Dental Visit
A regular dental visit has two distinct parts: a professional cleaning by a dental hygienist and an examination by a dentist. The cleaning is usually performed first, but if your dentist decides he or she needs X-rays of your teeth, those will be taken before the dentist comes to examine your mouth.
These checkups are designed to give your dentist the opportunity to check for cavities, ensure roots are still stable, and to identify and prevent minor issues before they become major ones. Even if you maintain a good oral hygiene regimen at home by brushing twice daily and flossing every day as recommended by Dr. Hoffert and dentists around the world, you should also attend professional cleanings and exams.
Why Are Professional Teeth Cleanings Necessary?
If brushing and flossing at home are the most important parts of your oral health, then why is it so important to have professional cleanings by a dental hygienist?
Even if you are dedicated to maintaining your oral hygiene with at-home measures such as brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar will still build up on teeth. When this happens, special tools are required to remove it.
As you may know, plaque is a sticky layer of food and saliva that oral bacteria feed upon. Their digestive acids not only eat the plaque but continue on into the enamel, creating cavities. Even though brushing and flossing regularly removes a lot of plaque, it’s nearly impossible to get it all, and over time what is left will form a hard layer on the teeth called tartar. Tartar is the first step towards gingivitis and periodontitis (gum disease) and cannot be removed with floss or a toothbrush.
During a dental cleaning, will remove the tartar with their specialized tools and can offer you insight on areas where you might need to pay extra attention such as behind the teeth or in between the molars. Dental hygienists will also use a professional-grade toothpaste to brush your teeth and floss to make sure there is no plaque buildup remaining.
Prevent Tooth Decay With Regular Dental Checkups
Everyone is at risk of tooth decay and if left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems such as tooth loss, abscesses, and other systemic health problems. Gum disease has been shown to increase your risk of heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimers. If you schedule and keep routine appointments, your dentist should be able to identify any problems before they need major procedures, saving you money and discomfort by treating them early. For example: small cavities are much easier to treat than an abscess!
Schedule an Appointment with Red Maple Dental
Scheduling and keeping regular appointments with your dentist is vital to maintaining good oral health and can help you avoid potentially uncomfortable and expensive procedures. If you are in the Asheville, NC area and need a checkup with a skilled and professional dentist, call Red Maple Dental at (828)-358-1925 to schedule with Dr. Hoffert or schedule your appointment online.