You only have one set of adult teeth, and they need to last until you are 80, 90, or beyond. The actions you take towards your teeth today will either benefit you or harm you in the future. Of course, good dental care starts with seeing a dentist regularly. You should go in for cleanings and checkups, and any other time you think something might be amiss with your teeth. Education is important when it comes to any aspect of your health, so start reading the articles on this website to educate yourself about dentists and dental care. We promise that when you're 80 and you still have your teeth, you won't regret the time spent.
The Tooth of the Matter: A Dental Blog
Why See Your Dentist Every Six Months?
Sofia Curtis
If you only go to the dentist when you experience a dental problem, you're missing out on quality care. While it's true that dentists are happy to help patients who are experiencing toothaches, prevention is always best. Proper routine care can help you avoid many dental emergencies. For best results, some patients should get check-ups about every six months. Here are four reasons to follow this schedule:
1. Monitor your gum health.
Dentists care for your teeth, but that's not all they do. Dentists manage every aspect of oral health care for their patients, including gum health. Your gums anchor your teeth securely in your mouth. Without proper care, your gums can begin to erode, leading to loose teeth and potential tooth loss. Your dentist will monitor your gum health by periodically checking the depths and color of your gums. If necessary, your dentist can provide root planing treatments that can help you combat periodontal disease.
2. Fix cosmetic problems.
It's easy to be critical of your own appearance. There may even be aspects of your smile that you don't like. Fortunately, a dentist can help you address cosmetic concerns. Professional teeth whitening treatments offered by your dentist can remove stains and give you pearly white teeth. Veneers can fix the appearance of chipped or uneven teeth. Your biannual dentist appointment is an excellent time to broach the subject of cosmetic treatment with your dentist.
3. Take full advantage of your dental insurance.
Many people have dental insurance to help them pay for the cost of their dental care. Dental insurance can be purchased through your employer or paid for out-of-pocket. Most dental insurance plans have annual limits that reset each calendar year. Usually, your benefits do not roll over to the following year. If you don't use all of the money allotted to your treatment during the current calendar year, it will be lost. Visiting your dentist for a check-up twice a year will help you take full advantage of your dental insurance so that you aren't leaving any money on the table.
4. Prevent costly restorative treatments in the future.
Dentists offer restorative treatments in addition to preventative treatments. However, many restorative procedures can be costly. A simple dental filling to treat a cavity may cost a few hundred dollars. More extensive procedures, like root canal therapy or dental crown placement, can cost a thousand dollars or more. You can avoid the need for many of these procedures by having your teeth cleaned and examined biannually.
To learn more about general dentistry, contact a dentist.
Share