How Often Should I Have a Dental Exam and Teeth Cleaning and Polishing?

Many people overlook the importance of a dental exam. In fact, studies show that over 100 million Americans are not going to the dentist and having teeth cleaning and polishing done as often as they should. Oral hygiene and dental examination are two of the important things that help you prevent dental and other related diseases. Schedule an Appointment

Regular Dental Visits

Dental visits are helpful in maintaining healthy teeth. This can also help in detecting dental problems or preventing certain medical conditions from developing. This way, you get to spot health problems as early as possible or you can prevent such from developing. There are various conditions and diseases related to teeth and the mouth in general. It’s best if these will be prevented through regular dental visits.

Getting regular dental exam, including teeth cleaning and polishing, is a must even if you don’t experience any symptoms. There are dental health problems that don’t manifest a symptom at the onset. Oral care must include health plans, which means going to the dentist regularly. Do not think that it’s just the mouth. The truth is, the mouth is an essential part of a person’s overall health. So don’t take it for granted.

How Often Should You Visit

There is no single answer to this question. On the average, though, dentists recommend that you must get dental examinations at least twice a year. This is also the same schedule recommended for teeth cleaning and polishing. However, if you have dental problems or if your condition is unique, you might need to visit the dentist more often than that. Every individual is unique and has different needs. The dentist will determine how often should you visit the clinic and undergo a dental exam and teeth cleaning and polishing. Just to make sure, don’t skip a year without having your teeth checked.

During the examination, the dentist will first ask about your medical history. The dentist will then proceed on personally examining the mouth and determine if you will need X-rays and other procedures. The result of the initial examination will help the dentist determine the appropriate treatment plan. The dentist may use special instruments for specific tests like checking your gums. In some cases, especially if accompanied by symptoms, your dentist might conduct oral cancer screening by checking the whole mouth, jaw, neck and tongue.

Teeth Cleaning and Polishing

Aside from check-ups, you must also regularly have your teeth cleaned and polished. Most dentists agree that everyone must get teeth cleaning and polishing at least every six months. This does not only keep your teeth healthy, but this keeps gum and other mouth problems away. Nothing beats good oral hygiene. And regular teeth cleaning and polishing is the best way to achieve that.

Taking Care of Your Teeth

But going to the dentist and getting teeth cleaning and polishing done alone is not enough. There are things that you must do on your own. Take good care of your teeth and make that a habit. For instance, you must brush your teeth at least twice a day properly. Couple this with flossing to achieve best result. This is the simplest but effective way to fight off gum disease and tooth decay. Keeping your teeth and mouth healthy is essential to your overall health. This way, you can track any changes in your mouth and you can notify your dentist if something comes up.

Build a Good Relationship

Do not think of your dentist as a stranger. Build a healthy relationship with him or her. This is important so that you can easily open up whatever dental problems you may have. If there is trust and confidence, it is easy to have a conversation and have questions about certain dental procedures or any other concerns. The key to a successful dental care is having a good, personalized relationship with your dentist.

Things to Consider

If you are not sure how to choose the best dentist, consider the following things:

• The convenience of the appointment schedule.
• The nearness of the dental clinic from your home or office.
• The cleanliness, neatness or orderliness of the clinic.
• Dental health instructions and techniques.
• Payment plans and fees before the treatment is scheduled.
• ADA-member dentist.

Do not wait for a toothache or any dental disease to happen before you visit the dentist for an exam and teeth cleaning and polishing. Make oral hygiene a habit and have your teeth checked regularly. Schedule an appointment with us today and make your teeth as healthy as possible.