The typical recommendation is that you should visit your dentist in Spokane Valley every six months for regular check-ups and cleanings. However, not everyone’s dental needs are the same.
At the end of the day, it depends on the individual, specific medical conditions, and oral hygiene habits.
Why Are Regular Check-ups Important?
Some feel that if there is no issue, there is no reason to go see their dentist. Especially if a solid oral hygiene routine is in place. The truth is your dentist in Spokane Valley checks for problems that you may not notice or “feel” on your own during regular exams. Nipping these problems before they get overly complicated can save you money in the long run. Not to mention save you from any possible oral pain.
What Happens During Regular Dental Check-Ups?
During a regular check-up, your dentist performs the following:
- Gum disease treatment.
- Screening for serious oral health conditions.
- Breath treatment.
- Professional cleaning.
Your regular dental examination has two parts. The “check-up” component and the professional cleaning.
During the “check-up”, your dentist will look into your mouth for cavities and tooth decay. They may also take x-rays for this. A review of plaque and tartar on your teeth occurs, too. When plaque build-up happens, it hardens and turns into tartar. This does not remove easily with brushing and floss. When tartar builds up, this can accelerate oral diseases and tooth decay. Next, the dentist will check your gums using a special tool to ensure they are healthy. Finally, there’s an examination of your throat, head, face, neck, and tongue. Dentists are looking for any red flags around redness, swelling, or potential signs of oral cancer.
Professional teeth cleaning is the next part of a regular check-up. A Spokane Valley dental professional uses special tools to get rid of tartar in those “hard-to-reach” places. These are the areas you can’t get to while brushing and flossing on your own.
How Often Should You Schedule Regular Check-ups?
Twice a year is a good rule of thumb. With that said, some may need to go less and others may need to go more often. What types of patients fall under the “more than six months” recommendation? Higher-risk individuals that should see the dentist more than twice a year, include:
- Smokers.
- Diabetic.
- Pregnant women.
- Patients with weak immune responses.
- Patients that suffer from gum disease.
- Those who are susceptible to plaque build-up or cavities.
Overall, follow your dentist’s lead. Even if you don’t fall into the above categories. Should they recommend coming in before the next six-month mark, it’s a good idea to do so.
Things To Do Between Regular Check-Ups
The best way to take care of your oral health between visits to the dentist is to:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Use toothpaste with fluoride.
- Floss daily.
- Use a mouthwash rinse to help with plaque bacteria. It’ll also keep your breath minty fresh.
A daily oral hygiene routine is a nice and easy way to preserve the health of your teeth and gums. In fact, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends you brush twice daily and floss once a day. A mouthwash rinse helps to remove any bacteria or particles in your mouth that flossing and brushing didn’t get.
Firstly, brushing daily removes plaque from teeth. Using fluoride toothpaste is essential. This is because fluoride is not good for oral bacterial. It acts as a “catalyst” for enamel to take minerals from the saliva, which in turn protects and repairs your teeth from decay. Ensure to gently brush your teeth. Aggressive brushing leads to other issues like receding gums. Lastly, you can brush your teeth more than twice a day. However, don’t use toothpaste more than twice, daily.
Many people believe that flossing doesn’t do much, but they are wrong. Flossing removes plaque that your brush can’t get to. When you floss, reach between the teeth, and below your gumline.
Finally, if you feel as if your teeth are getting sensitive to flossing or brushing, ensure you tell your dentist. This may be an early sign of oral disease.
Time To Book Your Regular Dental Check-up & Cleanings
A regular oral hygiene routine can keep your teeth and gums healthy. It’s an easy way to avoid tooth decay and oral diseases. In addition, it’s simple and cost-effective. However, it’s vital to add another layer to over-protection for your oral health with regular check-ups and cleanings.
Are you overdue for a dental examination and professional cleaning? Collins Dentistry & Aesthetics can help. Please call (509) 927-2273 today to book an appointment. You can also schedule a visit online.
