We all know that it’s important to make regular checkups with your general family doctor to ensure you’re keeping in optimal health, but what about other types of healthcare, such as dentistry?
Doing a regular checkup with your dentist is very important, as it helps to keep your teeth, gums, and overall oral hygiene and health in their peak condition.
According to one of my friends who has a dentist clinic in Vancouver, here’s how often should you go to ensure you’re maintaining your best results?
A Dental Checkup, Explained
A dental checkup consists of two primary components: the examination and the cleaning.
During your examination, your dental professionals will check your teeth and gums for signs of cavities, cracks, gum disease, and for a buildup of tartar and plaque. Plaque is a layer of bacteria that hardens on the teeth, becoming tartar. Tartar cannot be removed with general flossing and brushing, only with professional removal by a dental professional with a technique known as scaling. If left unchecked, tartar can create several types of oral diseases.
When gums are checked, it is usually done to inspect that the space between your teeth and gums is minimal, as those with gum diseases often have a deeper space between the teeth and gums, which can lead to bacteria and food getting stuck within them.
You may also receive x-rays during your visit, so your dentist’s office will be able to have the most up-to-date records of your teeth and be able to properly see any signs of forming problems.
One thing many people don’t know is that dentists can also check your tongue, jaw, neck, and other facial areas for signs of possible injury, swelling, or certain signs of cancer.
For best results, it is recommended that a person sees their dental hygienist approximately every six months.
Maintain Oral Hygiene
Maintaining good oral care doesn’t just start and end at the dentist’s office. It is important to take care of both your gums and your teeth on a daily basis. Here are some tips for maintaining good oral hygiene at home:
- Brushing your teeth using toothpaste that contains fluoride at least twice a day.
- Brush gently and for approximately two minutes.
- Floss between your teeth once a day to remove food buildup and clean your gums
- Swish mouthwash after brushing your teeth to help with bacteria and plaque buildup, and keep your breath feeling fresher and longer.
- Replace your toothbrush frequently, every 3 to 4 months, or whenever bristles seem split and broken.
- Maintain proper hydration on a daily basis
- Limiting sugary foods and drinks and maintaining a healthy diet.
In Summary
It is important to go to your dental office approximately every six months to ensure peak oral hygiene and care. During your visit, your hygienist will perform a variety of checks, as well as provide thorough cleaning of the teeth and gums.
Between appointments, it is vital to maintain proper oral hygiene at home, ensuring you brush at least once a day for best results.
