Have your gums been bleeding during your dental routine lately? This could be a sign of bigger issues—even problems that go further than your mouth. The same goes for someone in good health—signs of a healthy body will be shown in the mouth first. It’s a known fact, even acknowledged by the American Dental Association, that your oral health and overall health are connected. That’s why it’s so important to visit your dentist every 6 months for a dental checkup and teeth cleaning.
Does everyone need a dental checkup and teeth cleaning?
Keeping your regular dental appointments every six months dramatically improves overall health and dental health despite age. That’s why it’s important to choose a dentist that offers preventive care services to patients of all ages, whether it’s a child, teen, adult, or matured family member.
During your regular visits, you can expect these things to be examined:
- oral tissues
- your head and neck
- and the inner workings of your mouth
This visual dental exam is used to spot issues like tooth decay, gum disease, teeth grinding, and oral cancer that an untrained eye may not notice.
Right after your dental exam, your dentist will carefully clean the plaque and tartar buildup from the areas of your mouth that you may have missed while brushing and flossing. Although a teeth cleaning isn’t many patients favorite part of their dental visit, this systematic cleaning will help lower your risk of developing:
- gum disease
- tooth decay
- cavities
- abscessed teeth
- other dental problems associated with dental bacteria
What else can a preventive care appointment do for me?
A good dentist works hard to prevent problems from occurring in your mouth—not just address them last minute. A fantastic way to prevent dental issues is by getting fluoride treatments and having dental sealants placed on your teeth.
Here’s what you need to know about dental sealants:
- They’re recommended for high-risk patients.
- They’re applied to the surface of back teeth to protect from tooth decay and cavities.
Here’s what you need to know about fluoride treatments:
- A treatment will reduce your chance of developing tooth decay and cavities.
- The treatment strengthens tooth enamel to protect against dental problems.
- Dentists recommend getting fluoride treatments especially for young children.
When was your last dental appointment?
A healthy, gorgeous smile starts with great preventive care. Each time you visit your dentist, you can expect to have your oral structures meticulously examined to avoid problems in the future. You’ll also feel fresh and clean after each visit from your deep teeth cleaning.
If it’s been longer than 6 months since your last appointment, don’t stall anymore. It’s time to have your mouth and body cared for.
About the Doctor
Dr. Rosenfeld graduated from Columbia University Dental School in 1984 and has been providing comfortable preventive care for just over 30 years and counting. Island Daily Dental Care has been providing great comprehensive dental services to our community with the help of Dr. Rosenfeld. Visit our office to receive the care your mouth needs and deserves from our dental expert. He can be reached at (631) 573-4012.