Visiting a general dentist for routine cleanings is essential for preventing common dental problems such as tooth decay or gum disease. While brushing and flossing every day can help remove a majority of bacteria and plaque from the teeth, it is impossible to completely remove all buildup. Frequently scheduling dental cleanings makes it possible to address tartar buildup before it causes damage, and it gives the dentist an opportunity to examine the mouth for any issues that need to be addressed.
How often a patient should visit a dentist for a dental cleaning depends on the condition of the patient’s mouth and the presence of any bad oral habits, such as smoking or teeth grinding. In general, the average patient with healthy gums should schedule a cleaning at least twice a year.
An easy way to create a habit of maintaining a strict cleaning schedule is to set an appointment for six months in the future after every visit. For patients who smoke, suffer from diabetes, or have a history of periodontal disease, the dentist may recommend more frequent visits as a preventative measure. As certain conditions increase the risk of gum disease, these cleanings help prevent it from occurring or keep it from progressing to the more advanced stages.
For some patients, dental phobia or general anxiety about visiting the dentist can keep them from making a cleaning appointment. Knowing what to expect during a cleaning can help ease these anxieties.
There are several basic tools dentists and hygienists use to clean and examine the mouth:
It is not uncommon for patients to experience some level of bleeding after a cleaning, especially if the patient does not frequently floss or there is a lot of buildup on the teeth. Cleanings by a general dentist can cause gum sensitivity that lasts for a couple of days following the appointment. While having teeth cleaned should not cause excessive pain, trauma to the mouth, decay or jaw disorders can make patients uncomfortable during the process.
Parents who have a baby or toddler may be wondering when children should start going to the dentist and what the visits will entail. Most dentists recommend children have their first appointment once they start getting teeth, and this may range from eight to 12 months. Even if a child has no teeth by one years old, it is still a good idea to schedule an appointment to check their gums and make sure everything is progressing normally.
For many young children, the initial appointment is designed to introduce them to the office, show them the chair and varying tools, and get them used to the routine. The subsequent visits will include the regular professional cleaning and exam.
During the visit for teeth cleaning, the dentist will also conduct a thorough exam of the teeth, gums, and other soft tissues of the mouth. This includes checking for early signs of decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. About once a year, the dentist takes X-rays of the teeth to see underlying structures that are not visible otherwise. If the dentist detects any potential issues, he or she will discuss potential treatments with the patient.
Visiting a general dentist at least twice a year can limit the amount of dental work a patient needs by preventing dental decay and gum disease from progressing. If it has been a while since you have visited the dentist, make an appointment right away to ensure no problems have developed.
Request an appointment here: https://www.leedentistryoxford.com or call Lee Family and Cosmetic Dentistry at (662) 546-1143 for an appointment in our Oxford office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Oxford, MS.
Finding the right dentist for your oral health needs is an important process. While a general dentist and a family dentist offer similar services, there are significant differences between these dental specialties. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision that best fits your and your family's needs.A general dentist is a primary…
Attending regular checkups with a general dentist is crucial for maintaining oral health. People can be tempted to put off these regular dental visits, tending only to see a dentist when they notice a problem. However, the following are some key reasons for making biannual checkups a priority. How often someone visits a dentist can…
A broken tooth can be distressing, especially if you do not know where to turn when it happens. However, if a broken tooth is not an emergency, your general dentist can fix it in several ways. These professionals are skilled in restorative and cosmetic dentistry, which are important for repairing teeth.If the affected area has…
Though we go to our general dentist all the time, one thing that not everyone considers is the fact that the dentist is the one that handles most of our oral health issues. How is it that one dentist is responsible for treating and diagnosing so many of our problems without the help of specialists…
Finding the right dentist for your oral health needs is an important process. While a general dentist and a family dentist offer similar services, there are significant differences between these dental specialties. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision that best fits your and your family's needs.A general dentist is a primary…
Attending regular checkups with a general dentist is crucial for maintaining oral health. People can be tempted to put off these regular dental visits, tending only to see a dentist when they notice a problem. However, the following are some key reasons for making biannual checkups a priority. How often someone visits a dentist can…