Preventive Dental Care
Going to the dentist for routine checkups is a preventive form of care and an essential facet of your oral care routine. During a routine dental visit, you will usually meet with both the dentist and dental hygienist. Your dental professionals will perform various examinations to assess the health of your oral cavity, looking for common dental issues such as signs of tooth decay or gum disease. If untreated, these conditions can lead to pain, tooth loss, gum recession, and even bone loss. By visiting your dentist regularly and catching signs of these issues early, you're taking a proactive step for your dental health and potentially avoiding pain and discomfort down the road.
Routine examinations can also include dental hygiene instrumentation to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums. Depending on your situation, your dental professionals may also take X-rays, apply sealants, provide in-office fluorides, give you lessons on personal hygiene and nutrition, and recommend products for you and your family. The frequency of your oral exams and dental hygiene appointments depends on your dental health, but the usual recommendation is twice annually.