Learn the Limits of Routine Dental Appointments
You will never find a California dentist who will tell you that you do not need regular dental cleaning and exams. That said, at California Dental Group we believe it is important for our patients to know what they can expect from a routine appointment and what limits there are. To put it simply: While dental cleaning and exams are essential, they are not enough in and of themselves.
What You Can Expect from Regular Dental Appointments
Visiting the dentist at least twice a year can have a huge impact on your overall oral health. A professional teeth cleaning helps remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. This is essential because it cannot be done with just brushing. Your dentist also uses this appointment to assess the health of both your teeth and gums. If there are any issues, they can recommend treatment to deal with them.
This is essential because if you wait until you have symptoms of some issues, such as gum disease, then it is likely to have already seriously progressed. When your dentist is able to diagnose and treat issues before they become serious, the results are likely to be better, it is likely more affordable, and it will likely be more comfortable.
The Limits of Routine Dental Appointments
Ideally, your take away from this is this simple fact: While dental appointments are important they do not take the place of brushing and flossing. No matter how often you visit us, if you do not floss and brush between appointments, you are likely to see decay and eventually gum disease. Note as well that some people have a higher genetic disposition to gum disease and decay. While we can slow these issues, you will likely have to work harder than others to maintain good oral health.
How to Take Care of Your Teeth Between Visits to the Dentist
It is not hard to take care of your teeth between dental exams but it does take dedication. You should brush and floss at least twice per day, or as often as your dentist recommends for your unique needs. If you have gum disease or are more susceptible to decay than the average patient, you may need to use mouthwash on a daily basis as well.
In addition to taking actions to protect your teeth, there are also actions you should avoid to keep your teeth as safe as possible. People who do not smoke, do not consume a lot of sugar, and skip certain liquids that can stain their teeth (such as red wine and coffee) will likely have healthier, whiter teeth than a smoker who eats a donut for breakfast every day and has five cups of coffee before noon.
Do you want a personalized plan for your own oral health needs? Contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 and let us get you started right away.
