5 Reasons Why Routine Dental Visits Are Key For Your Oral Health

Simply put, routine dental visits are important. They may seem like a hassle at times when our schedules get busy. However, most experts agree that you should see your dentist in Woburn at least every six months (or more). Some people require more than two appointments, yearly. Every patient’s needs vary.

What Happens During A Regular Dental Check-up?

Your routine dental visits have two parts: examination and professional cleaning. During the “check-up”, your Woburn, Massachusetts dentist looks at your teeth, gums, and mouth, and may take x-rays if necessary. In addition, Dr. Ryan Clancy will perform a careful examination of your neck, head, face, throat, and tongue.

After the exam, a hygienist professionally cleans your teeth using specially designed tools to get rid of plaque and tartar, before polishing your teeth and a final floss. Tooth-by-tooth, they floss between each area so that your teeth are clean.

Why Routine Dental Visits Are A Key To Your Oral Health

1. A Layer Of Defense

Speaking of dental hygiene, cleaning, brushing twice per day, and flossing are great ways to eliminate plaque on your own. However, professional cleanings help reach challenging areas in between your teeth that you may not be able to reach. Dental cleanings add another layer of defense to your oral health care regimen. When plaque builds up, tartar forms, which leaves you susceptible to infection and other illnesses. Therefore, if an infection progresses without treatment, it can affect other areas in the body. These include:

• Strokes
• Hypertension
• Heart attaches
• Diabetes complications
• Those who are pregnant risk having babies with low birth weight or pre-term labor

2. Saves You Time & Money

Routine check-ups and cleanings are not costly. In fact, most dental insurance plans include regular check-ups in coverage. However, if tooth decay goes unnoticed, you increase your chances of severely damaging your teeth and tooth loss. Multiple procedures to rectify these issues can get expensive. Besides, why go through all that pain if you don’t have to?

3. Examines Overall Oral Health

During the examination, your dentist in Woburn is looking for cavities and signs of gingivitis, which can lead to gum disease. Dr. Clancy will also review your overall health. This includes:

• Oral cancer screenings
• Sleep apnea signs
• TMJ symptoms
• Reasons behind dry mouth

At times, you need x-rays during a dental visit. This might be to identify a cavity between teeth and help the dentist look “inside” your mouth, so they can see what’s going on with your teeth, bones, and gums. Early detection of oral health problems leads to early treatment. You want to nip these in the bud before they progress.

4. Cosmetic Dentistry Options

Regular checkups and cleanings help with the aesthetics of your smile. A beautiful smile equals a healthy smile! When teeth are yellow or dull, this can eat away at your self-esteem and can age you. A hygienist removes stains that you can’t at home during professional cleanings. This helps by making your teeth (and smile) look that much brighter.

Some people believe that wanting the perfect smile is shallow. However, cosmetic dentistry treatments not only help with the appearance of teeth but with their functionality. At times, these procedures can overlap with general dentistry practices. Routine visits allow your dentist time to identify areas where cosmetic dental treatments might help. Why go through life with a smile you are unhappy with?

5. Questions and Answers

Close to the end of your visit, your dentist will offer some time to talk about your dental needs, smile goals, and anything else that relates to oral health. It’s at this point, you can bring up any concerns you have, or questions you need answers for.

This is also a great time to ask for advice on dental brands and oral hygiene techniques. Perhaps, gumline plaque build-up is causing issues, so your dentist can offer tips. If there’s a specific toothpaste or mouthwash you want to inquire about, this is the time to inquire about them. At the end of the day, your Woburn dentist is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to all things oral health. Why not take advantage by asking all the dental questions you can?

Are You Overdue For A Dental Check-up and Hygiene Cleaning in Woburn/Winchester, Massachusetts?

Has life gotten too busy to book your routine dental check-up and hygiene cleaning? Procrastinating on these appointments isn’t a good idea! If you would like to schedule a visit with our dentist, please call Divine Smiles today at (781) 396-8558. You can also schedule an appointment online.