Dental Talk Thursday | Why You Need 6 Month Visits

Dental Talk Thursday | Why You Need 6 Month Visits

Let's talk teeth!

For this week's Dental Talk Thursday we are going to be talking about why it is so important for you to visit your dentist and dental hygienist every 6 months!

Early diagnosis of tooth decay.

These issues may seem minor at first, but they can lead to more serious problems and even major dental concerns if they are not addressed early. The whitish film that builds up on your teeth is called plaque and is the leading cause of tooth decay. This acidic substance eats away at the tooth enamel and, if left unattended, can lead to cavities. Regular visits can help you diagnosis and treat these conditions early.

Clean teeth.

For proper oral health and hygiene, you must brush and floss the correct way. Your dental hygienist can show you the proper way to brush. They are trained to help you brush effectively to maintain your dental health. A healthy set of teeth is a crucial part of enhancing your appearance. Your hygienist will clean up your teeth by removing dental plaque, tartar, and stain while making suggestions on your daily oral health routine.

Diagnosis of severe dental disease.

The National Institutes of Health report that over 30,000 Americans suffer from oral cancer each year. Fortunately, early diagnosis of dental diseases such as oral cancer can help save your life. Your dentist will conduct an oral cancer screening during your regular six-month visit. Oral cancer is known to spread quickly, but can be easily countered if detected early.

Gum disease.

Certain nutritional habits may lead to gum disease which can expose healthy teeth to tooth loss and other serious health ailments. Regular dental visits will allow the dentist to diagnose gum problems early on. Some gum issues can be reversed if caught early enough.

Stop tooth loss.

Gum disease, which starts with built-up plaque, is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. As gum disease advances, plaque moves further down the tooth where it can destroy the supporting bone in your jaw, causing teeth to loosen and fall out. Luckily, the chance of this happening to you can be greatly reduced through regular dental cleanings combined with good oral hygiene habits.

Brighten your smile.

Drinking coffee, tea and wine or using tobacco can stain your teeth. A dental cleaning can remove built-up stains and leave you with freshly polished teeth. The result is a bright white smile!

Freshen your breath.

Good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent persistent bad breath, especially if you’re also brushing your tongue. Even if you brush and floss regularly, getting a cleaning is a great way to keep your mouth healthy and odor-free.

Ensure that your x-rays are up to date.

Dental x-rays can detect even the slightest traces of oral health problems at their earliest stages, such as cavities, gum disease, oral infections, tumors, and other pathology.

Boost your overall health.

Studies have shown a connection between oral and overall health. Regular dental cleanings may help lower your risk for some diseases, like heart disease and stroke. Many medical conditions, some of them life-threatening, can be detected in their early stages by your dentist during a routine oral exam.

Save money.

Get the most value from your dental benefits. Most insurance plans cover dental cleanings, x-rays, and oral exams twice a year. If you take advantage of your benefits now, you may be able to save money in the long run by helping to protect your oral health and potentially avoiding more costly and extensive procedures.

- Rachel Faul, Registered Dental Hygienist

*Stay tuned for next weeks "Dental Talk Thursday" over at Facebook.com/RachelFaulFitness at 7:30pm EST