Many people believe that they only need to go to the dentist when they are having a problem. However, a person can develop a serious dental issue by the time that there is pain or another obvious sign of a problem. To keep teeth in the best shape possible, regular dentist appointments are important. Preventive dentistry is the term for dental care that is aimed to keep teeth clean, strong and healthy and to maintain good overall oral health.
Regular Dental Visits
The proper interval between visits to the dentist’s office will vary from one person to another. An annual visit may be sufficient for a person with strong teeth who does not any medical problems that can weaken teeth or family history of serious dental problems. A person who does have existing dental issues, medical conditions that can weaken the teeth or family history of dental problems may need to see the dentist more often, such as every six months. A dentist and the patient can take a look at the patient’s dental history and determine the right frequency of visits to maintain the patient’s dental health. In many cases, dental insurance companies will pay for two visits and cleanings per year.
Dental Treatment
During a regular visit, a dentist or hygienist will be able to clean plaque and other deposits from the teeth that at home cleanings will not typically remove. In addition, a dental professional can provide advice on areas of the mouth that may need more attention during brushing and flossing. Fluoride treatments may also be given to replace the mineral that is lost through the normal wear of everyday life. Replacing the lost fluoride through dental treatments can help to keep teeth strong.
Uncovering Problems
Regular dental visits provide an opportunity for hygienists and dentists to uncover problems before they become serious. Small cracks, thinning enamel and misaligned teeth are just a few of the problems that a professional can spot that would otherwise go unnoticed. Most problems are easy to correct when they are just starting, but they can be quite difficult to correct if left untreated. By finding problems earlier and correcting them, a person can have strong, healthy teeth for all of his or her life.
A person shouldn’t wait for a problem to happen to visit the dentist. By properly caring for teeth at home, making regular visits and following up with any issues, a person can have healthy teeth and avoid the pain and expense of dental problems.
If you need to set up a schedule of regular dental visits in the Mesa, AZ area call our office today at 480-396-9900