Regular dental care, both at home and in the dental office, is extremely important. Of course, visiting your dentist every six months for a thorough cleaning improves your dental hygiene. What some do not realize is that the dentist does much more than simply brush your teeth, and proper oral hygiene has benefits reaching way beyond your mouth, with links to health issues such as heart disease and diabetes. In spite of all the benefits, many people neglect routine dental visits. Perhaps a better understanding of what the dentist does will encourage more to keep up with these important appointments.

 
One part of a dental visit is a cleaning. Dentists will often pay extra close attention to plaque and tartar. Plaque and tartar can build up very quickly if good hygiene is not practiced at home. Plaque is a sticky layer of bacteria. If not cleaned, plaque will harden into tartar and can lead to various oral diseases. Brushing and flossing at home can remove plaque, but cannot remove tartar once it is formed. Dentists have a special tool that is able to remove tartar during a dental visit.
Another important component of a dental visit often includes a visual examination and x-rays to check for any tooth decay. Early detection of cavities is very beneficial in efforts to minimize the damage to teeth. Small areas of decay can be removed and filled, thus saving the tooth from a major repair or even extraction.

 

During a routine visit, the dentist will likely do a visual exam of your face, neck, jaw joints, lymph nodes, throat, tongue, and gums to look for any indications of oral cancer, infection, or disease. A special tool is usually used to check gum health. One indicator of gum disease is deeper areas between your teeth and gums. It is nearly impossible to maintain healthy teeth with an unhealthy mouth, and your dentist can help you maintain overall oral health.

 

Routine dental health is very important for people of all ages. For very young children, visiting the dentist helps establish a routine and makes them feel comfortable with the cleaning procedures. Preventative care, such as sealants and fluoride are very important as permanent teeth develop and grow in. Oral health is extremely important and can also be an indicator of overall health. Doctors are taking a more holistic approach to dental health, and noting that certain conditions, such as advanced gum disease, can be indicators of a more chronic condition elsewhere in the body. Visiting the dentist causes many to feel nervous, so it is important to keep an open line of communication with your dentist to alleviate any apprehension about your appointment. By visiting the dentist twice a year, you can help ensure that dentists are able to keep your teeth, mouth, and whole body healthy and strong.