You have probably heard from your dentist, or on the internet, that you should be going to the dentist about twice a year. The general recommendation from the American Dental Association, for example, is that dental patients of many ages complete professional dental check-ups and cleanings every six months or so.
Many people don’t really understand why these dental appointments are so important; that is why our Saint Louis dentists are here with a short overview of the benefits of semi-annual cleanings—let’s get started!
The first reason that you need to complete regularly scheduled professional cleanings is that these cleanings are simply more effective and thorough than your at-home efforts. No matter how diligently you floss and brush your teeth at home (this is so important), you’ll inevitably miss a bit of plaque here and there. Keeping up with a dentist-prescribed schedule of professional cleanings in order to give your smile a “fresh start” on a regular basis is a good idea.
Our dentists also perform oral health assessments during semi-annual appointments. These assessments allow our team to detect developing cavities and oral health problems that you may otherwise miss on your own. We also complete oral cancer screenings, as early detection can make a huge difference in the patient’s treatment plan and long-term prognosis.
Regularly scheduled dental appointments also make it more likely that you will complete those seemingly minor, but nonetheless important, restorative treatments that can make a big difference for your smile long-term. It can seem like a chore, for example, to schedule an appointment just to have a dental crack filled in. However, if you are already coming in for your regularly scheduled appointment, you can more easily keep up with those small oral health improvements!
We are here to help you no matter how long it has been since you have been in to see the dentist! Call our Saint Louis dentists to get more information and schedule a consultation.