As in so many professions, with dentistry a baseline has been established for the number of visits you should make to your dentist in a year. There will be exceptions or deviations based on your personal health and habits, both good and bad. The fascinating fact is that a contributing element of that baseline which is often overlooked is that of your smile. Your smile is an under-appreciated asset. An asset that is taken for granted until something happens to your smile to the negative. Your smile is the foundation of your personality. It will influence your level of self-esteem and self-confidence which then impacts your personal circles and your professional encounters. Your dentist is an important player on your team to help maintain the quality of your smile.
How often should you see your dentist?
The health industry has established that a robust baseline is to schedule examinations every six months under all circumstances. This allows your dentist to both monitor and build a history of your oral health. X-rays are used to capture what is happening below your gumline. A thorough exam will recognize any issues with both your teeth and all soft tissue. This exam also includes an oral screening for oral cancer with your lips and neck.
It is also a bonus to have your teeth cleaned by these professionals. They can identify any trends and give you tips for your at-home oral hygiene as well as suggestions to improve your diet.
If you have a certain health issue, like diabetes, or are pregnant or even enjoy tobacco products, it might be suggested you increase the number of visits to more than two a year. If you have experienced gum disease in the past, it is wise to monitor it more closely. A weak immune system can also encourage more bacterial infections that must be dealt with. You may also build up plaque quicker than normal and need that plaque removed more often.
Good Oral Health starts at Home
The health industry and your dentist will encourage you to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. They will also explain the benefit of flossing once a day. Between practicing good oral hygiene at home and your dental visits the simple objective is prevention. If you neglect your teeth and gums, you will find yourself with your dentist addressing unfortunate and uncomfortable problems. This often includes cavities from the buildup of plaque and gum disease as well. It might include root canal pain or an abyss. These problems can be prevented with good proactive care.
The Value of your Smile
There is research to prove and substantiate the value of your smile. Your dentist will also offer measures and treatments to improve your current smile. By establishing a dentist as a teammate, they will make these objective suggestions. It might be alignment, a gap, a chip, or crack, your gumline or something as simple as whitening. Let your dentist be your teammate, work for you, and with you, to both improve your smile and your quality of life.