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Patient in dentist chair while dentist and hygienist review x-rays in the background

Your healthy mouth is an important part of a healthy body, and taking care of your oral hygiene is essential to your overall health. Regular dental visits are an integral component of that maintenance. You should see your dentist every six months, or more frequently as recommended by your dentist.

What happens at regular visits?

There are two main things that happen at your regular dental visit, cleaning by the hygienist, and an examination by your dentist. The checkup will include looking closely for cavities or other issues such as fractured teeth or broken or leaking fillings. The dentist will also screen for oral cancer and other abnormalities.

The dental hygienist will clean plaque and tartar off your teeth with instruments specially designed for that purpose. Plaque and calculus deposits are the early building blocks for periodontal diseases. Once the teeth are scaled and cleaned, they will polish them to help remove any surface stains.

Once the cleaning is done, the dentist will check your overall oral health and talk to you about any trouble spots that may need to be addressed that day or in a future visit. When your cleaning and checkup is done, you will be able to leave with a clean, healthy mouth with shiny teeth!

What should you do at home to keep your teeth and mouth healthy?

In between your regular dental visits, take time to clean your teeth and gums. Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and floss daily. You can also use mouthwash to help control plaque bacteria and keep your breath fresh.

It’s important to remember that preventive dental appointments can go a long way towards preventing larger problems from developing. It is best not to wait until you notice problems before you come in.

The dental professionals at Creekside Dental are all about maintaining good dental health and are here to support your specific needs over a long period of time. Issues with your mouth, teeth, and gums can develop quickly, so visiting the dentist on a consistent basis is well worth the time and effort.