Here’s Why You NEED Regular Dental Visits

Here’s Why You NEED Regular Dental Visits

One of the most commonly asked questions here at our dental office in Reno, NV is, “how often should I go to the dentist?” You may be wondering if you REALLY need to visit the dentist once every six months or not. In fact, not only should you, it is recommended by the American Dental Association as well. The reason behind a six-month dental checkup is to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as can be.

Sometimes, when patients have gum disease or other dental problems present, the dentist will recommend a cleaning and checkup every three months. It is vital that you attend these checkups to help ensure that your mouth is healthy. Even when you are not in the dentist office, you should be regularly caring for your gums and teeth.

At Access Dental Care, we want you to be proud of your smile and we are here to help make sure that happens. Today, we want to talk to you more about WHY you need regular dental visits. Should you have any questions, or should you want to schedule an appointment, do reach out to our Reno, NV office today!

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A Quick Overview of Your Dental Visit

Some patients wonder just what happens at their dental visit and why they need to come in. Checking your teeth is just one of the steps in the visit. During your checkup, your dental hygienist or dentist will look for signs of tooth decay, check for signs of oral cancer, evaluate your gums and check for disease, and even perform a quick checkup of your jaw and neck to ensure everything is okay.

Did you know that your dentist can tell if you have any vitamin deficiencies? They can also tell if you have diabetes or oral cancer simply through an examination.

During your visit, your dentist will look for signs of tartar and plaque buildup, so that it can be addressed promptly. Buildup of these things will lead to tooth decay and gum disease, which, if left untreated, could lead to tooth loss.

Once the examination is complete, your dental hygienist will clean your teeth. During the cleaning phase, you can expect the following:

• Removal of plaque and tartar from the teeth
• Polishing of the teeth
• Brushing and flossing of the teeth

Your dentist or dental hygienist may also go over recommended brushing and flossing techniques for you to use, especially if they notice areas that you may be missing.

What Does a Dental Cleaning Do?

You have likely been to many dental cleanings in your lifetime and you know the basics about them. The dental hygienist cleans your teeth and you leave feeling better. But a dental cleaning is much more than that.

At Access Dental Care, we want our patients to have a full, comprehensive understanding of what a dental cleaning does for them.

Let’s take a look.

Picture: Freepik

Stops Tooth Loss
Did you know that a buildup of plaque and tartar can lead to tooth loss? Gum disease is not only common, but devastating for patients when it has reached an advanced form. Gum disease causes your gums to become infected and as a result, they often pull away from the teeth, which can cause the teeth to become loose and subsequently, fall out. With regular dental cleanings, the chances of tooth loss are dramatically reduced.
Prevents Dental Caries
The number one leading cause of tooth decay is plaque. You have likely noticed plaque on your teeth, as it is a white-colored film. Plaque eats away at the enamel on your teeth and if you do not remove the plaque, you can develop cavities. Regular dental cleanings remove the plaque and prevent cavities.
Freshens Your Breath
Bad breath is such a turn off and if you do not have regular dental cleanings, you may notice that your breath is not so fresh. Tooth decay and gum disease cause bad breath and you may start to feel self-conscious about it. Regular dental cleanings can help combat bad breath and ensure you are cavity free.
Saves You Money
Regular dental cleanings will save you money in the long run. Think about it this way – if you have a dental cleaning every six months, you are likely to have no dental caries, or your dentist will catch them before they have progressed. You will save time and money as you will not have to spend time at the dentist having restorative work performed on your teeth as a result of poor dental hygiene.
Boosts Your Health
There is a strong connection between your overall health and the health of your teeth. If you receive regular dental cleanings, you lower your risk of developing oral conditions and other health problems such as heart disease.
Provides a Bright Smile
Over time, your teeth become stained or yellowed from acidic foods, coffee, and other items that stain the teeth. Regular dental cleanings can remove the stains and provide you with a bright, white smile to showcase.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Access Dental Care in Reno, NV is here to help you maintain good oral health. Regular dental checkups and screenings are important and needed to ensure you continue to have healthy teeth and gums.
If you are due for a dental checkup or you would like to schedule a checkup, call our Reno office today!