Why You Should See a General Dentist Every Six Months

A trip to the dentist every six months can go a long way toward protecting your oral health. General dentists can perform an oral exam, catching any oral health issues early on. They will also remove tartar buildup during a professional teeth cleaning to preserve the teeth and gums. Explore why you should schedule an appointment every six months.

Get a deeper clean than brushing can provide

Brushing your teeth is an effective way to keep them clean and remove plaque buildup. However, brushing is only the foundation of a good oral hygiene routine. Toothbrushes cannot get into the cracks between the teeth, leaving them vulnerable to decay (or cavities). In addition, it is common for patients to brush twice daily but not as thoroughly as they should. This can lead to the same issue.

Fortunately, the main focus of a dental checkup every six months is to ensure the teeth get a deep cleaning. The dental hygienist will scale away any built-up plaque or tartar in hard-to-reach areas. They will also polish the teeth to whiten them and make it harder for plaque to stick to their surfaces.

Preventive treatment is the most effective treatment

The best way to treat any condition is to visit a general dentist who can prevent the issues from occurring through preventive treatment. One way they achieve this is through professional teeth cleanings; another is through teaching the patient how to practice proper oral hygiene at home. This includes discussing brushing and flossing techniques, whether the patient could benefit from mouthwash, and recommendations on which toothbrush and toothpaste to use. They can even discuss toothpastes that help with sensitive or yellow teeth.

Further, a general dentist may recommend preventive treatments like nightguards, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants. Nightguards prevent wear and tear from bruxism or teeth grinding. Fluoride treatments also protect the teeth by making them more resistant to decay. Dental sealants are essentially the kid-friendly version of fluoride treatments, as they are applied to children’s back teeth to prevent cavities.

Catch cavities and other issues early on

As part of a six-month dental checkup, the general dentist will perform an oral exam after the patient has their teeth cleaned. These exams involve looking at the mouth for signs of oral health conditions. Examples may include discoloration and pits in the teeth that indicate tooth decay or large spaces between the teeth and gums that point to gum disease. The dentist will screen for oral cancer as well, such as by looking for sores and rough spots in the mouth, among other symptoms.

Get cavities filled and other restorative services

If an oral exam reveals any issues, the general dentist can move forward with treating them. They can fill cavities or perform root canal therapy to restore infected teeth. Similarly, they can provide gum disease treatments, such as scaling and root planing to remove tartar underneath the gum line and smooth out the tooth roots. Other restorative treatments from a general dentist include reinforcing damaged teeth with dental crowns and sealing cracked teeth with dental bonding.