Why Regular Dental Checkups Are the Best Dental Insurance
Regular dental checkups are about more than getting your teeth cleaned.
You’ve heard it before: Visit the dentist every six months. Brush your teeth twice a day. Floss at least once a day. Use a fluoridated mouthwash once a day. But though you have heard these directives throughout your life, have you ever stopped and wondered about the actual value and benefit of doing these things? In particular, do you know why regular dental checkups are the best dental insurance?
8 Things We Do at Your Dental Checkups and How They Benefit You
It’s not uncommon for adults to wonder about the value of coming in to see the dentist every six months. But like we said, dental checkups are far more than getting your teeth cleaned and polishing those pearly whites. Going to the dentist every six months provides a host of other benefits too.
During each dental cleaning and oral evaluation, Dr. Robinson will do the following:
1. Look for Early Signs of Tooth Decay and Cavities
We examine your teeth to find cavities early in development. The earlier we catch tooth decay, the less expensive it is to treat those resulting cavities.
2. Examine Your Mouth for Signs of Gum Disease
Many people with gum disease, also referred to as periodontitis, don’t even know that they have it. Frequent screening ensures prompt treatment and better outcome of periodontal therapy (and a better outcome for your wallet).
3. Screen for Oral Cancer
Dr. Robinson will check your mouth for signs of oral cancer as early diagnosis can result in less-aggressive treatment, improved quality of life, and higher survival rate. Oral cancer screening is even more important if you smoke or use tobacco.
4. Check Your Existing Restorations
Dr. Robinson will check the quality of your dental fillings and other restorations to ensure they are secure. And, if any are defective or have decay, we can make plans to replace those fillings, leaving you with a happier and healthier mouth.
5. Help With Bad Breath or Dry Mouth
If you don’t have enough saliva in your mouth, it can lead to dry mouth and bad breath (halitosis). Not only that, but you will be at increased risks for plaque accumulation, tooth decay, gum disease, mouth sores, and oral yeast infections (thrush). We can discuss your symptoms and offer solutions to encourage healthy saliva flow.
6. Discuss Your Oral Hygiene Routine
Though our patients often know what to do, they don’t always know the additional benefits of maintaining a good oral hygiene routine at home. We take the time to talk to our patients about the importance of healthy eating, brushing, flossing, rinsing with a mouthwash, and more.
7. Protect Your Overall Health
Your oral health is directly linked with your overall health. At Valley Dental Clinic, we get to know our patients as individuals to better provide each patient with personalized, quality care to improve their overall health. And since gum disease is linked to other severe medical conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, the healthier your mouth is, the better.
8. Safeguard the Oral Health of Your Entire Family
Your kids need dental care, too, especially since tooth decay is one of the most prominent chronic illnesses among kids in the United States. So we don’t just want to treat your smile; we want to treat your children’s dental needs as well.
What To Expect During Your Regular Dental Checkup
Now that you understand all of the benefits of going to the dentist every six months, let’s make sure you know what to expect during that visit itself (aside from everything we said above, of course). Whether it is your first visit to Valley Dental Clinic or you have been a patient for years, you can expect Dr. Robinson to examine your gums, soft palate, throat, and neck, checking for any abnormalities. He will also take X-rays or review previously taken X-rays to better understand your oral health history and check for any other issues. Finally, he will recommend any dental work you might need to maintain optimal oral health and will discuss your oral health and at-home habits.
Schedule your professional cleaning and evaluation with Valley Dental Clinic today.
Dental screenings are most effective when they take place every six months. Like we said earlier, many of our patients ask us about the value of coming to see us every six months, often stating that they never have cavities or anything wrong with their teeth or gums. And our answer to that is simple: the reason they don’t get cavities or that their tooth decay is under control is because they do come to see us for a regular dental checkup every six months. So if you are overdue for your trip to the dentist and are near Wasilla, Alaska, now is the time to request an appointment. We look forward to seeing you and showing you why regular trips to the dentist are the best insurance you can buy.