Going to the dentist at least every six months is crucial for maintaining good oral health. Even if you brush and floss regularly, use mouthwash, and avoid staining foods or drinks, your teeth and gums can still experience decay or damage. It’s nearly impossible to fully remove all plaque and harmful bacteria on your own. A dentist in Timonium, MD, can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup, as well as examine your mouth for any early signs of a problem. By going to the dentist regularly, you can help keep your teeth and gums healthier for longer.
The Benefits of Seeing a Dentist in Timonium, MD
While many patients can experience anxiety when visiting the dentist, a routine cleaning and exam can actually help prevent the need for more invasive procedures. It’s okay to go a few weeks over six months between cleanings. But the longer you wait to see a dentist, the more likely you are to develop dental problems. Not only do the cleanings help remove plaque and tartar, but your exam can catch issues before they develop into deeper concerns.
Improving Oral Hygiene
It’s not always easy to tell how well we take care of our own oral hygiene. Unlike our dentists, we aren’t trained to see plaque and tartar buildup. We also don’t know what to look for when evaluating the cleanliness of our teeth. When you visit your dentist regularly, they can track the progress of your oral health. They can also recommend options for improving it. For example, your dentist may be able to tell if you’re pressing too hard while brushing or using the wrong kind of toothbrush. They may recommend adding a mouthwash to your routine or switching to a different kind of floss. By seeing the dentist on a regular basis, you can get a better idea of how to improve your oral health to make future appointments quicker and easier.
Early Diagnosis
Many dental problems can spread quickly in your mouth. But, if you catch them early enough, most of these problems can be treated early on with simple procedures. For example, say you have a cavity. If the area of decay is small and shallow, your dentist can likely restore your tooth with a simple dental filling. But if the decay sits on your tooth and spreads too wide or too deep, you may need more extensive treatment, such as an inlay or onlay. When you visit your dentist regularly, they can examine your mouth for early warning signs of damage. They also often take X-rays to help keep an eye on your oral health and ensure no treatment is necessary.
If you aren’t seeing your dentist regularly, there’s a higher chance you could develop decay and disease in your mouth. Call our office today at (410) 221-3085 to schedule a consultation. We’ll examine your mouth and get you set up with a routine cleaning schedule that can help prevent dental damage.