If you stay on top of your oral health, why do you still have to go to the dentist twice a year? Many people only go to the dentist when there’s a problem, like tooth pain or a broken tooth, and don’t get cleanings as often as they should. The truth is that even people with great oral hygiene still need the expert evaluation of a dentist and hygienist to keep their smiles healthy for life. Learn more with Northern VA dental office Ridgetop Dental Group.
Why Do I Need My Teeth Professionally Cleaned?
Brushing and flossing at home are the most important parts of your oral health, so why is it important to get professional cleanings?
Over time, even with regular brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar build up on teeth and require special tools to be removed. Plaque is a sticky layer of bacteria that builds up as oral bacteria break down sugars from leftover food particles in our mouths. Even though brushing and flossing remove a lot of plaque, it’s still difficult to get it all, and over time it builds up to form a hard layer on the teeth called tartar. Tartar cannot be removed with floss or a toothbrush, and is the first stage of tooth decay. You might notice tartar appear along the gum line as a yellow deposit that you cannot brush away.
During a cleaning, your hygienist uses special tools to remove tartar and can offer you insight on areas where you might need to take extra care such as behind the teeth or in between the molars. They will also use a professional-grade toothpaste to brush your teeth and floss to make sure there is no plaque buildup.
What To Expect At A Dental Visit
A regular dental visit has two parts: a professional cleaning by a hygienist and an examination by a dentist. Usually the cleaning is performed first, but if your dentist decides to perform X-rays, those will be taken before the dentist comes to examine your mouth.
The visit is designed to give the dentist the opportunity to check for cavities, ensure teeth are rooted properly, and to identify and prevent small issues from becoming major problems. Even a good at-home oral hygiene regimen that includes brushing and flossing every day needs to be supplemented by a professional cleaning and exam.
Prevent Tooth Decay With Regular Dental Checkups
Tooth decay affects everyone and if left untreated, can lead to serious health problems such as tooth loss, abscesses, and other systemic health problems. Your dentist will spot any problems before they become major, saving you money and discomfort by treating them early. Small cavities are much easier to treat than abscesses!
Schedule an Appointment with Ridgetop Dental Group
Scheduling and keeping checkups with your dentist is essential to maintaining good oral health and will help you avoid potentially uncomfortable and expensive procedures. If you need a checkup, call us or schedule your appointment online.