If you care about the health of your smile, then you have likely already taken some steps to help protect your teeth and your gums. You might have added flossing to your daily hygiene routine, for instance. You might also have started drinking more water, and less soda. But when was the last time you visited the dentist? Has it been more than a year? Even if you know that you should be visiting the dentist regularly, do you know how often or why? Understanding the importance of regular checkups and cleanings can be great motivation for following through with those key preventive appointments.
Why Are Frequent Checkups and Cleanings Necessary?
Something many people don’t realize is that once plaque bacteria has calcified onto the surface of the teeth, it can only be effectively removed through a professional cleaning. This means that without routine dental visits, tartar can lead to cavities, and even contribute to the development of gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease.
Prompt tartar removal, however, can help prevent these and other oral health threats.
How Often Should You Really See the Dentist
The general recommendation is that patients should visit the dentist for preventive checkups and cleanings at least twice a year. That said, this guideline can vary person-to-person. Some people are genetically predisposed to struggling with dental decay. Others might be at heightened risk of cavity development due to chronic dry mouth, caused by medications they are taking, an unhealthy diet, or other lifestyle factors like tobacco use.
So, at your next dental appointment, talk to your dentist about the health of your smile, and how frequently you need to have your teeth cleaned in order to best preserve their health.
ABOUT YOUR WACO, TX, DENTIST:
We look forward to providing families with exceptional care and advanced treatment options. To schedule an appointment with Corbet Locke, DDS, contact our Waco, TX, dental office today by calling 254-776-4888. Our office welcomes patients in and around Waco, TX, including Hewitt, McGregor, Woodway, and the surrounding Central Texas communities.