Keeping your mouth healthy through preventive dental care

Have you ever wondered why you have to visit the dentist every six months? Why you can’t just go once a year or maybe even stretch it out a little more? Rest assured that those routine exams go a long way to promote your oral health. Even if you always get a clean bill of oral health after your regular visits to one of our dentists serving Denton County, these exams and cleanings are essential to extending that streak.

First of all, bacteria are constantly building up in the mouth, even in patients who are diligent about their oral hygiene habits. Regular professional cleanings help to clear away plaque and tartar, which offer a haven to harmful bacteria. In combination with daily brushing and flossing, cleanings—also known as prophylaxis—can help to thwart conditions such as gum disease and tooth decay.

Beyond keeping your mouth clean, regular visits to the dental office help your dentist to spot problems early, when they can be treated with less invasive procedures. For example, a simple cleaning during a biannual exam can reverse gingivitis, or mild gum disease. However, if a patient doesn’t visit the dentist regularly, that gingivitis could progress into advanced periodontal disease, which may necessitate a surgical remedy.

Dentists can also spot cavities during exams and fill them on the spot. Often, patients have no noticeable signs of cavities, which will only get worse if left untreated. Ultimately, significant decay could lead to tooth loss.

Essentially, preventive care can help your dentist to diagnose various problems that you might not recognize otherwise.

The value of preventive dental care isn’t limited to the mouth, either. Research has demonstrated links between poor oral health and systemic conditions like heart disease, diabetes and problems with pregnancy. So, regular visits to the dentist can help promote your overall health, as well.

Be sure to schedule regular appointments for preventive dental care with one of our Denton County dentists. You only get one set of permanent teeth, so do your best to make them last well into your golden years.