It seems like every time you turn the TV on or pick up a magazine, a toothpaste or toothbrush advertisement is telling you the importance of dental visits. The thing they don’t tell you is why this is important. It may help some people, especially those that are a little wary of a dentist, to understand why regular dental care is important. The American Dental Association is quite vocal about suggesting that visits every six months for a professional cleaning and a visual checkup is a must.
It’s reasonable to believe that the main reason for a visit to the dentist is to ensure that your teeth are in good condition and stay that way. You can be very serious about maintaining a rigid brushing and flossing schedule, but still need to see a qualified dental hygienist and dentist every six months. When you have your teeth professionally cleaned, the practitioner has tools at his or her disposal that you don’t have at home. The dentist can remove plaque and tartar that build up on the surface of your teeth, something that only can be done in the clinic. As the dentist is cleaning your teeth, he or she is very watchful for any evidence of the beginning of a problem, such as a cavity or anything else that may require a specific treatment.
All dental problems start small, and in many cases before they are even noticed, they have become larger and more difficult to control. If a problem reaches this point, it actually might be too late to save the tooth and it will have to be extracted or a root canal will have to take place, followed by a crown. The importance of dental visits is that little problems are picked up before they get out of hand. The dentist, using X-Rays along with a thorough visual exam, can pick up problems in the early stage. Gums are the same, for problems with the gums can be equally as important as problems with the teeth; things like gingivitis need to be caught and cured in the early stages to ensure the problem does not get out of hand.
Even if you fear a trip to the dentist, it is important that you still go. Don’t be afraid to discuss any fears that you may have with your dentist; at Chicago Smile Design we work to make sure all of our clients are comfortable at our office. Call us to schedule an appointment today!
