You should see your dentist if you have a problem that is affecting your oral health. What you should keep in mind is that you also need to see your dentist when everything seems fine. Every six months, you should go in for your regular dental exam. These appointments serve to assess your current oral health, and they provide an opportunity for your hygienist to thoroughly clean your teeth. Establishing – and sticking with – routine semiannual dental appointments can help you limit the number of dental problems you experience. They also create opportunities for your dentist to catch and treat problems early in their development.
Dental Problems Can Grow When You Stop Making Routine Dental Visits
What can happen when you decide you have no need for a dental visit? You may have a problem – like a cavity – that you are unaware of. If you make it to a scheduled dental visit, your dentist can find it, and arrange for a restorative treatment to care for your tooth. If you miss your visit, that cavity will keep spreading, and damaging more of your tooth. You may overlook it until your tooth is in pain. Leaving a cavity to grow can lead to needing more advanced care, like a root canal treatment, to restore your oral health.
Additional Protections Your Dentist Can Provide
One major benefit to dental appointments is that your dentist can ascertain your level of oral health, and offer extra support when it is called for. If you have an elevated risk for cavities, your dentist can apply dental sealants. These sealants help to keep bacteria and food particles off your teeth, so they are protected against decay.
