Most adults follow the health guidelines of brushing and flossing their teeth at least twice a day. Paired with a relatively healthy diet, this type of at-home dental care is a great way to keep your teeth healthy. However, this dental routine is no replacement for professional dental health services. If you aren’t in the habit of regularly visiting the dentist, now is the time to start. Dental health checkups and teeth cleanings at Lovett Dental Corpus Christi are an essential part of keeping your teeth healthy.
How Often Do Adults Need to Go to the Dentist?
Many adults wonder how often they need to visit the dentist. While some go twice a year, others put off visiting the dentist until they experience an emergency situation like a severe toothache or something worse. While going to the dentist may not be your favorite activity, it is important to prioritize regular visits to have your teeth examined and cleaned.
Most dentists recommend that adults visit the dentist every six months as this gives the dentist a chance to catch and treat any oral issues before they worsen. Conditions like periodontitis and cavities can quickly develop into serious problems over time. With regular treatment, dentists can work to prevent these issues from developing or worsening by using a treatment plan to maintain your oral health.
In addition to visiting the dentist twice a year to monitor your dental health, you may find that you need to visit the dentist more frequently depending on your situation. For example, pregnancy, smoking, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and HIV status can affect the frequency with which you need to visit the dentist. Likewise, if your health insurance requires you to visit the dentist more often than twice a year, you may need to schedule additional appointments to take full advantage of your health insurance benefits.
The Importance of Dental Health Services
Regular dental health visits are an important part of keeping your teeth and mouth healthy. While dental care at home is important, it is only the beginning of taking care of your teeth. In addition to your regular flossing and brushing, going for dental health services will help to remove the extra plaque and debris you can’t reach with a toothbrush. This type of cleaning helps to keep your teeth in working order.
During a dental visit, dentists are able to monitor your current health and check for signs of any potential problems. During an oral exam, dentists typically watch for signs of health conditions like diabetes or oral cancers as these conditions typically have oral components.
Best Practices for At-Home Dental Care
Proper oral care goes beyond brushing and flossing. Following best practices for caring for your teeth at home will make each visit to the dentist less painful and that much more enjoyable. When brushing at home, consider using a fluoride toothpaste as this will help protect you from tooth decay. Fluoride toothpaste is especially important for individuals that have dry mouth as they are more prone to tooth decay.
In addition to using the correct toothpaste, consider investing in an electric toothbrush with a large handle as this may be more comfortable to use. Likewise, using a tongue scraper can also help to keep your mouth clean. Likewise, stick to a well-balanced diet and avoid smoking as it can increase your risk of gum disease.
Don’t make the mistake of avoiding professional dental care. Seeing a dentist regularly will help keep your teeth and the rest of your body in good health. Contact Lovett Dental Corpus Christi at 361-986-1117 to learn more about our available services.
