You should go to the dentist every six months; whether you’re 5-years-old or 50, the recommendation is the same for everyone! Even toddlers with only a few teeth should visit the dentist twice a year since these visits are about so much more than just keeping teeth healthy. Taking care of your smile is an important part of your self-care regimen because dental health is closely linked to your overall health.
Dental Cleanings
Even the most diligent brushers leave plaque and food particles behind, which can harden into tartar over time. Tartar is bad news for your smile since it leads to tooth decay and gum disease, and it's impossible to remove with brushing alone. Professional tools are required to remove tartar once it has formed, so you can prevent potential dental problems by having your teeth cleaned every six months at the dentist’s office.
Scaling is the first step in dental cleaning. This involves using a special ultrasonic tool to remove tartar from your tooth surfaces with a targeted stream of water. Any tartar that remains will be removed with a hand tool called a scaler. After that, your hygienist will polish your teeth with a high-powered electric toothbrush to eliminate light enamel stains and create a smooth surface that makes it harder for new tartar deposits to develop.
Comprehensive Oral Evaluations
Your dentist will perform a comprehensive oral evaluation after your dental cleaning with a hygienist. While dental cleanings help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, comprehensive examinations allow us to detect early signs of disease and address any dental or periodontal problems before they become more serious and difficult to treat.
Each of your teeth will be checked for decay, and any dental restorations will be examined to ensure that they are in good shape. We examine your mouth for signs of gum disease, including measuring the depth of your periodontal pockets with a specialized instrument. We may use digital x-rays to get a better look at your teeth and jaw, if necessary.
Oral cancer screening is also included in your twice-a-year dental exams. Dentists are trained in the detection of tissue abnormalities and lesions in the mouth, tongue, and throat, which are frequently misdiagnosed as canker sores by the untrained eye. If we find an area of concern, we will refer you to an oral surgeon for a biopsy.
Reasons to See the Dentist More Often
For most people, seeing the dentist every six months is sufficient to manage their oral health and keep teeth free of tartar buildup. However, there are some situations in which more frequent appointments are required.
Gum disease is one of the most common reasons we might recommend more frequent visits. Plaque and tartar can exacerbate gum disease, so it’s important to keep teeth surfaces clean for patients with a history of periodontitis. Following gum disease treatment, your dentist may recommend that you follow a periodontal maintenance regimen that includes dental cleanings every three months. Invisalign patients will also need to visit our office more frequently, usually every four to six weeks for the length of their treatment.
Make an Appointment for a Dental Cleaning
Do you need a dental cleaning? Contact us today at 631-928-7500 to schedule an appointment at Smile Shack.