Taking care of your teeth goes far beyond brushing and flossing regularly. In fact, visiting the dentist every six months is one of the most important steps you can take to keep your smile healthy. Here’s what you can expect from visiting your dentist for a routine appointment.

Thoroughly Remove Plaque & Tartar

Even with a good brushing and flossing routine, eating and drinking can cause plaque to build up. Plaque can be difficult to remove it on your own, and if hardened, it will develop into tartar. Over time, this will lead to more serious health concerns, such as cavities, tooth decay, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. 

Check on Your Oral Health

During a checkup, your dentist will check for signs of cavities, infections, receding gums, and gingivitis. Depending on what they find, your dentist will likely suggest a fluoride treatment and conduct routine cleaning. If you have a cavity, they will talk to you about filling it or performing a root canal. Dentists treat gum disease with scaling and root planing, which typically involves using instruments to clean around the gum line. In some cases where gum disease is more advanced or you have an infection, a dentist might also prescribe antibiotics. 

Early detection is key in preventing more serious problems. During your six-month checkup, your dentist will also check for any signs of oral cancer. Talk to your dentist if you notice any unusual changes, like a sore that won’t go away, numbness, red or white patches in your mouth, or difficulty chewing or swallowing.

If you need a quality dentist in Clarke County, GA, look to the team at Athens Family Dental. For more than 25 years, their staff has been committed to providing the highest standard of dental care in a comfortable setting. To book an appointment, visit their website or call (706) 548-3279 today.