The Importance of Regular Dentist Visits

While brushing and flossing at home every day is a critical part of maintaining a healthy mouth, these steps aren’t enough to keep tooth and gum problems at bay forever. For thorough preventative care and treatment, you need help from a dental professional. Here’s a look at just how important dentist visits are. 

Your dentist checks for cavities 

To do this, most dentists take X-rays of your teeth. This creates a clear picture of what’s going on in your mouth, even under the gum line. If a cavity is developing, X-rays tell the dentist exactly where it’s located. This way, you can get a filling before the decay spreads and causes more trouble. 

Your dentist removes tartar build-up 

Every day, a sticky, clear layer of plaque forms on your teeth. You can remove plaque by brushing twice a day. If any is left behind, it hardens into a tooth-staining substance called tartar, or calculus. Only a dentist using special tools can remove tartar from your teeth, a process known as scaling.  

Your dentist professionally cleans your teeth 

Motored tools and a polishing agent provide a more thorough cleaning than what you can achieve at home. The dentist finishes the job by flossing between your teeth. Your mouth will feel extra clean after all the plaque, tartar, and surface stains have been removed. 

Your dentist checks your gums 

Healthy gums are just as important as healthy teeth. During your visit, the dentist will use a periodontal probe to measure the space between your teeth and gums. Shallow pockets indicate healthy gums, while deep spaces could mean you have gum disease. Catching this condition in its earliest stage, known as gingivitis, gives you a chance to reverse it. However, if you skip too many dentist visits, your condition could progress to periodontal disease, which can only be maintained or cured with pocket reduction surgery. 

Your dentist checks for oral cancer 

A careful examination of your tongue, throat, neck, and the inside of your cheeks can reveal swelling, redness, or signs of cancer. Receiving an early diagnosis offers the best chance of making a full recovery, which you can only do if you visit the dentist regularly. 

Your dentist provides personalized advice to help you take care of your smile 

If you struggle with poor gum health or teeth that stain easily, your dentist can recommend specific products or procedures that may help. Implementing this personalized, expert advice can help you keep your teeth and gums healthy between dentist visits. 

Clearly, there are some things you can’t do without your dentist’s help. We recommend visiting Park 56 Dental in NYC at least once every six months for the important dental services you need. Our experienced dentists will take good care of your smile! To learn more about our services, or to schedule an appointment, please call us at (212) 826-2322 today.