Making a dental appointment twice a year may seem excessive or it can be inconvenient to find a dentist. However, before deciding to skip one of these visits, it is important to understand the potential consequences. Teeth need professional care.
Check out these reasons to find a dentist and schedule regular appointments:
A patient who is comfortable around the dentist is more likely to talk openly about oral health and hygiene habits. Forming this connection allows the dentist to get to know the individual needs, concerns, and lifestyle choices of a patient that may contribute to oral hygiene choices. Patients who do not trust the dentist enough to reveal the truth about oral hygiene habits may not receive the most effective dental care.
Simply brushing and flossing is not enough to completely eliminate the plaque and tartar that can accumulate on the teeth. Without the specialized tools a dentist uses to scrape off that buildup and clean under the gums, infection and decay can occur. Clean, healthy teeth also tend to look brighter and better.
The variety of toothpastes, toothbrushes, and other oral health tools on the market is an indication not everyone should be using the same ones. One person may need a special toothpaste for sensitive teeth, while another could benefit from a formula designed to strengthen weak enamel. A patient who can find a dentist to make a routine appointment has the opportunity to ask which tools would be most effective for their specific dental needs.
Many patients have spots on certain teeth that, while not damaged currently, are at a higher risk level for decay or damage. Some teeth may have deeper pits that could become cavities, while others could be close to root exposure. These areas should not necessarily be treated prematurely, but if the conditions in the mouth change or as the teeth wear down naturally over time, knowing where these spots are can allow the dentist to fix the issue as soon as it is necessary.
For certain patients, dental problems like cavities or gum disease can occur relatively quickly. If a dentist is able to identify an issue in its beginning stages, it is usually much easier and cheaper to fix. The longer such problems go untreated, the more decay can occur and treatment can quickly become more intensive. A dental professional should also be able to spot problems such as bone loss or uncharacteristic wear and tear on the teeth that could be the result of a more severe underlying health condition.
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Whether or not there is a need for one immediately, it is a good idea to find a dentist close by and begin scheduling routine checkups. The benefits of regular dentist visits extend beyond oral health to the overall health and wellbeing of the entire body, and can make an enormous difference in the life expectancy of the teeth.
Request an appointment or call Fairfax Dental Center at 703-246-1507 for an appointment in our Fairfax office.
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