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Perhaps you’re among those who brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day, floss every night, drink plenty of water, and consume mouth-healthy foods. No matter how meticulous you are about dental home care, however, it’s still important to see your dentist for checkups. Here’s a closer look at why semi-annual dental visits are key to maintaining your teeth, gums, and overall smile.

Why You Should See Your Dentist Twice a Year

1. Teeth Cleanings

Even the most thorough brushing and flossing can’t reach every surface of your teeth. For this reason, a dentist or hygienist must remove plaque that contributes to cavities and gum recession.

The hardened form of plaque, tartar, accumulates under the gumline and can only be removed by a professional. Routine tartar removal keeps the gums healthy and pink instead of red, irritated, and tender.

2. Gingivitis & Gum Disease Checks

Dental professionals examine gum tissue for signs of gingivitis or periodontitis—a more advanced phase of gum disease. These include redness, bleeding, swelling, recession, and loose teeth.

Regular visits serve as preventive measures that allow the identification of gingivitis symptoms before they worsen and lead to periodontal disease. Gingivitis is easy to reverse with diligent home care and routine dental visits, unlike advanced gum disease, which may require gum grafting due to deep pockets between tooth roots and receding tissue.

3. Oral Cancer Screenings

Noninvasive, painless oral cancer screenings look for mouth lesions and other disease symptoms. As with any form of cancer, early detection provides the best chance of recovery. While you probably won’t receive an oral cancer screening at every dentist visit, the staff will let you know when it’s time to be screened.

4. X-Rays

dentistWhen you switch dental practices or miss an appointment, you’ll receive X-rays that look for issues that manual examinations may miss. The staff will check the health of the jawbone and identify any issues such as bone deterioration, tumors, cysts, and swelling. The procedure also checks the positioning of wisdom teeth, if applicable, to determine if extractions are necessary.

5. Oral Health Tips

Dentists not only ensure the health of teeth and gums, but they also make recommendations for maintaining a healthy mouth. If you have serious tartar accumulation, for example, the doctor will likely recommend an anti-tartar mouthwash and foods that naturally clean the teeth, such as carrots and celery. Biannual checkups also give you the opportunity to ask questions, such as those about sensitive teeth or improving your breath. 

 

If it’s been some time since your last visit to the dentist, make an appointment with High Point Smile Dentistry in the Piedmont Triad area of North Carolina. Offering restorative, general, cosmetic, and family dentistry services, this practice is also certified in the Chao Pinhole¼ Surgical Technique, a minimally invasive gum recession treatment. Call (336) 884-4000 today to schedule an exam or visit the practice online to request an appointment today.

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