In days past, people would visit a dentist only when they had a toothache. The dentist would generally pull the tooth and, when healed, the patient would be pain free. Dental care however, has come a long way since then and visiting the dentist twice yearly is important.
For over 50 years, it has been the general recommendation that every six months Americans visit their dentist. At each visit a patient’s teeth are professionally cleaned using special instruments designed to remove built-up plaque and tartar along and below the gum line where brushing and flossing can’t reach.
Removing plaque and tartar reduces the incidence of gum disease, cavities, bad breath and other issues.
At these twice yearly visits a dentist also assess a patient’s oral health, visually checking for cavities, signs of oral cancer and other issues. The dentist will review any x-rays they have ordered for problems that may not be visible, such as decay, abscesses, or damage to the teeth or jaw.
If you have no history of gum disease and have good oral health practices including visiting the dentist twice a year, your teeth and smile will probably shine bright throughout your life. However, if you have risk factors which include smoking, diabetes, poor eating habits or genetics you still can maintain a healthy mouth and smile but you may have to work a bit harder at it. It all begins with visiting the dentist. And if you’re high-risk, it is critical to maintaining your oral health and preventing tooth loss.
Other factors besides smoking, diabetes and genetics can also make it wise to see your dentist two or more times each year. The Cleveland Clinic Foundation lists several other factors which include those with gum disease; people with family members who have a history of plaque build-up or cavities; those with weakened immune systems; and those who have experienced certain life events which cause stress or illness. Read the article here
Also, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports,
that nearly one-third of all adults in the United States have untreated tooth decay and one in seven adults age 35-44
years has gum disease, visiting a dentist at least twice each year remains a sound practice in maintaining good oral health. In fact, those with risk factors should talk with their dentists about the benefits of visiting the dentist for cleaning and assessment more than twice per year.
Sedki Dentistry, Commerce MI is a complete family dental clinic that offers services for all dental health concerns. Dr. Sedki and his experienced staff are professional and committed to providing uncompromised care to their patients. Maintaining long term dental health and a beautiful smile is their goal. Call Sedki Dentistry today and get started on a healthy, beautiful smile!