Routine dental care is one of the most overlooked contributors to oral health and hygiene. More people who pay attention to their oral health and wellness are likely to enjoy a cleaner bill of health. But what’s included in routine dental care, and what are the benefits? Smile Center of Orlando answers one of the commonest questions patients battle with.
What’s included in routine dental care?
Routine dental care is the periodic visit to the dentist’s office for a dental checkup, teeth cleaning, and related procedures. Dentists recommend visiting a dental office at least twice a year at six-month intervals.
The goal of routine dental care is to help patients maintain a clean bill of oral health. The dentist, during this appointment, pays attention to the mouth, teeth, gum, and other areas of the mouth. Their goal is to identify dental problems at the earliest stages and treat them or prevent dental problems from arising.
As part of a routine dental visit, patients can expect to enjoy the following;
Dental Examinations
A dental examination is a crucial part of a routine dental visit. The dentist examines the patient’s teeth to ensure they align with a normal and healthy appearance. The examination will also often include inspection for tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer.
It is important to note that patients who detect oral cancer early have a better chance of beating the otherwise deadly condition.
The routine dental examination will also include inspection for cracks, chips, and other problems that may compromise the teeth and expose it to bacterial attacks.
Teeth Cleaning
A routine visit to the dentist is incomplete without a dental cleaning. While this is mostly handled by a dental hygienist, some dentists also do the job. This professional cleaning is done to remove plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth. It is important to remove this buildup to reduce the chances of wear and tear on the enamel. Removing the buildup also reduces the chances of tooth decay, gum disease, cavities, and bacterial penetration.
Dental X-rays
A routine dental visit can also include x-rays of the mouth. This is done to ensure that subsurface areas of the mouth, including the jaw and the tooth’s root, are in great shape. Dentists can detect underlying problems like impacted tooth growth or wisdom tooth growth simply by conducting a dental x-ray.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride treatment is often part of a comprehensive routine dental visit. This ensures that the enamels are protected against tooth decay and bacterial attack. The treatment also helps protect the teeth from acids consumed in carbonated drinks and other food items.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are not a usual occurrence in every routine dental care visit. However, they may be necessary for patients with a cracked tooth. The sealants are designed to seal up tooth cracks and prevent infections or other oral health problems.
In the end, your dentist can diagnose common dental problems and chart the best course of treating or managing it during your routine visit.
Benefits Of Routine Care And Complex Procedures
Routine dental care and complex procedures have many benefits, including;
Early oral cancer detection
Oral cancer can be deadly and devastating when not detected early. However, patients have a better chance of combating and beating it when it is detected early. Routine dental care and complex procedures can help to identify the onset of such cases and address it immediately.
Reduced Dental Bill
Visiting the dentist once every six months for a routine dental checkup can be a lot cheaper than paying for a complex dental procedure like dental implants. Routine visits to the dentist is a preventative measure that ensures your natural teeth are protected and cared for as they should. It can also save you a lot of money in complex dental procedures.
Improved Smile, Appearance, And Confidence
Patients have admitted to feeling more confident in their smile and appearance after visiting their dentist for routine checkups. Your dentist can certify you okay or may recommend some cosmetic dental procedures like tooth whitening to keep your smile sharp and bright. In the end, you’ll be left with sparkling teeth and a confident smile.
Eliminate Doubts
Common problems can make you doubt your oral health and wellness. Routine dental checks, however, help you to eliminate the doubt by getting a professional’s opinion on those concerns. Your dentist can address any question you may have about your oral health and hygiene. They can also detect and address issues you may not have noticed about your declining oral health.
In the end, regular visits to your dentist give you peace of mind and help promote a clean bill of health. If you haven’t seen a dentist in a while, now may be a great time to schedule an appointment and get your mouth checked.
Preparing For a Dental Checkup