Dental Checkup
Everybody should visit the dentist regularly. The dentist cares for more than just the teeth; they monitor the state of your oral health and analyze if there are any preventative measures that you must take to maintain the state of your mouth. We get it, dentists can be scary. In fact, many people in the United States have anxiety when it comes to visiting the dentist. This stops them from visiting their dentist for a checkup regularly, and this is counterintuitive. The more you avoid the dentist, the more oral issues you may have. The more oral issues you have, the more work your dentist will have to do. To care for your teeth properly, it’s vital that you visit the dentist for dental checkup.
Why Get a Dental Checkup?
Getting a dental checkup is one of the most important health visits that you can make. After all, your mouth harbors tons of bacteria every day. There are plenty of reasons to get a dental checkup.
First of all, your dentist will clean all the plaque off your teeth. This will not only make your teeth and smile look sparkling and white, but it will prevent bacteria from sticking to your teeth easily. This could also prevent gradual tooth decay.
Another reason to get a dental checkup is to monitor the condition of your mouth. Dentists can determine if you have various health issues like lupus and oral cancer just by observing your oral cavity. When you visit the dentist, they’re able to monitor any changes that they see and act upon them if necessary. Overall, visiting the dentist is important because it’ll keep you and your mouth healthy.
How Often to Visit the Dentist
Traditionally, it is recommended that you visit the dentist twice a year split into 6-month increments. This means that you should visit the dentist for a checkup every six months. This time span gives your body enough time to “live” normally so that when you return your dentist can observe any changes. If you wait longer than six months, you risk missing key turning points. For example, if gum disease or oral cancer isn’t detected early, you could risk future pain and issues. Instead, going to the dentists every 6 months will ensure you maintain proper oral health.
What to Expect During a Dental Checkup?
During a dental checkup, there is a general timeline that your dentist will likely follow. After you check in, you’ll be taken to a dental examination room where a dental hygienist will come in and clean your teeth. They will ask you questions about your dental history since your last visit such as aches or pains you’re experiencing. They will also ask you to indicate any medications that you now take. Following the dental hygienist, your dentist will come in to observe any x-rays you may have taken and any visible issues that they may see. These could include tooth decay, gum recession, or cavities. Otherwise, if you have no issues, they’ll provide you with advice to maintain your satisfactory oral health. After this appointment, be sure to set up another appointment for 6 months in advance!
Get a Dental Checkup Today
If you haven’t visited the dentist in quite some time, or if you’re just looking for a new dentist in the Buffalo area, contact Todd Shatkin DDS. As a dentist, he has over 30 years of experience, therefore you’ll always receive the best care possible. We offer free dental consultations, so feel free to call or visit us today to schedule an appointment. Here, we’ll examine and recommend a future action plan for you. Instead of avoiding the dentist, visit a reliable Buffalo dentist!
Follow us on Facebook for daily updates & oral health tips!
