Many of us don’t go to the dentist nearly as much as we should. We figure that brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash is enough to keep our teeth and the rest of our mouth in good shape. The truth is there’s a lot more going on in your mouth than you’re aware of, and the only way to take truly good care of your teeth is to visit a dentist. So just how long should you wait before scheduling an appointment?
Usually, it’s best if you see your dentist in Warrenton every six months. When you make an appointment, your dentist will not only have a chance to clean your teeth, but also perform routine maintenance and preventative maintenance in order to keep you from having complications in the future, such as cavities, oral cancer and tooth decay. While they’re taking a closer look inside of your mouth, dentists can also see if there are any serious problems developing.
One of the reasons you want to at least go in for a tooth cleaning every six months is so your dentist can get rid of all of the tarter and plaque that you’re unable to get on your own with regular brushing. Dentists have access to special equipment that can get your mouth and teeth even cleaner than you can on your own; sometimes they’ll even use regular dental floss to take care of buildup. Further decay can be prevented with an application of fluoride.
While at the dentist in Warrenton, they’ll examine your teeth for signs of decay and your gums for signs of disease. Usually they use special instruments and a mirror to probe and tap each of your teeth to make sure that they’re in good order. It’s also not unusual for them to check the spaces between your teeth and gums as well. If there’s an abundance of space between your gums and teeth, it could be an early indication of gum disease. Something else a Warrenton dentist will check for at your checkup is signs of oral cancer.
In addition to six-month cleanings and checkups, it’s also recommended that you get an oral x-ray every now and then. Oral x-rays can catch oral complications that can’t be seen with the naked eye. Oral x-rays can spot cavities that are about to come in contact with a nerve, which a dentist won’t be able to tell just by examining your mouth. Other things that can be spotted with oral x-rays include impacted teeth, abscesses and cysts.
Are you searching for an expert dentist for your dental care, visit Warrenton based Gainesville Dental Associates for complete & comprehensive dental care.