When was the last time you visited the dentist? Hopefully this question doesn’t elevate your heart rate or give you sweaty palms. We know dental phobia is real, but routine dental visits are so important because oral health is linked to overall health. And let’s be honest, nothing is grosser than a dirty mouth. Am I right, or am I right?
Visiting the dentist every six months is the recommendation for the average person. People with certain health conditions might benefit from more frequent visits. At-home maintenance of regular flossing and brushing is important, but that’s not enough to keep your mouth healthy. A good oral hygiene regime requires professional cleanings and exams. This is where your dentist comes into play!
If you’re reading this thinking that you can’t remember the last time you went to the dentist, just keep reading to learn about the importance of going to your routine dental appointments. Hopefully, it will compel you to make an appointment.
What happens at the dentist?
- Clinical Exam: The dentist will perform an oral exam of your teeth and gums, which includes the following: checking teeth for decay, chips, cracks etc; looking for damaged restorations (fillings, crowns, etc); performing an oral cancer screening; and assessing your bite.
- Head/Neck Exam: This is an assessment of your facial structure. The dentist will examine your face and neck, checking your lymph nodes for any lumps or swelling, as well as the movement of your jaw (TMJ)
- Professional Cleaning: The dental hygienist will remove tartar and plaque by scaling the teeth with special tools. After the buildup is scraped off, the hygienist will polish your teeth to remove stains and any remaining debris.
- X-rays: This diagnostic tool is used to see beneath the surface to detect decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss in addition to determining tooth and root positions.
So that’s an overview of what to expect at a routine dental visit. Not so bad, right? Nothing beats that “fresh mouth feel” you get afterwards. Keep in mind that just like the rest of your body, the unexpected can occur in your mouth. You might encounter a toothache or some type of dental emergency, prompting an immediate visit.
Call your dentist sooner rather than later if you experience any of these symptoms:
- Bleeding gums
- Chronic illnesses/medical conditions
- Dry mouth
- Headaches
- Sensitive teeth
- Swollen gums
- Sores/lesions
If you are due (or overdue) for your routine dental visit, call us at 954-344-4488, or complete an online appointment request to schedule your consultation.