When was your last visit to the family dentist? If you can't remember or you haven't had an appointment in a year or more, it's time for a check-up. Before you skip this important health service, take a look at what you need to know about the benefits of routine dentist office care, when to schedule an appointment, and how to find a new practice.
Why Should You Visit the Dentist's Office Regularly?
You don't have dental pain or another oral issue. Does this mean you can skip your regular dental visit and wait until next year? Even though your teeth may feel and look fine, routine office care can:
- Stop decay before it spreads.
Left unchecked, minor dental decay can grow from a barely-there cavity to a serious oral infection. This can cause pain or lead to tooth loss.
- Prevent gum disease.
Your teeth aren't the only reason to visit the dentist. Like dental decay, untreated gum disease can cause major problems. These include discomfort, swelling, bleeding, gum recession, tooth loss, or a severe infection.
- Help to spot other oral issues.
Lumps, bumps, and lesions in your mouth may seem normal—or they may cause concern. If you're not sure what to think about an odd oral issue, the dentist can investigate the area and rule out/diagnose a potential problem.
Even though you have an oral care routine down to a science, the dentist office cleaning goes beyond what you can do at home. The hygienist's tools can reach and remove hardened plaque that your brush and floss may miss. This can reduce the risks of dental decay and gum disease.
When Should You Visit the Dentist?
Every year? Twice annually? Each quarter? What is the just-right dental office visit schedule for most patients?
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), routine checkup/cleaning schedules vary by person. A healthy schedule could include an annual, biannual, or several times per year visit to the family dentist's office. The specific number of times that you need to see the dentist for routine care depends on your dental health (teeth and gum health), your overall healthcare needs, genetics, and risk factors for decay or periodontal disease.
Even though there isn't one standard schedule that works for every dental patient, most adults should visit the dentist at least once per year. If you have concerns about your risk level, have lifestyle factors that may increase the likelihood of developing dental disease, or have a family/personal history of oral issues, talk to your dental provider about tailoring a schedule to your individual needs.
How Can You Find A Dental Practice?
Are you in between dentists or new to the area? If you haven't had a checkup in over a year and don't have a current practice, the first step is deciding which type of dentist to use. As the name implies, a family dentist is a top choice for families. The family dentist sees patients of all ages and can help you, your children, and even your parents or grandparents. If you need care for a specific issue (such as periodontal surgery or endodontics), a family dentist can refer you to a specialist.
You can utilize a few different methods to find the just-right family or other dental practice. Professional organizations and associations, such as the ADA, provide search tools that include practices in most areas. You can also ask friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, or other people who you know well to recommend a dentist. If you still can't find a dentist, search local social media groups in your community for referrals.
Do you need to schedule a cleaning and checkup? Contact Family Dental Care of Wilmington
for more information.
