You may brush your teeth two or three time per day, floss every night, use an oral rinse and otherwise practice perfect dental hygiene, but that’s still not enough to keep you out of the dentist’s chair every 6 months.
To ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy and remain that way, you should be visiting La Jolla Cosmetic Dentistry & Orthodontics twice a year so that we can examine your dentition, professionally clean your teeth and provide any preventative care.
Although many people choose to go years without seeing their dentists, they are actually creating more harm for their teeth than good. Here’s why you should be coming in for regular dental exams and receiving routine care.
For a professional analysis of your dentition
Most people don’t associate the pain they may feel in their face, head or neck to problems with their dentition. Frequent headaches and jaw pain tend to be a result of TMJ disorder or a poor bite alignment. During a dental examination, we assess portions of your maxillofacial structure, which includes your face, head, jaw and neck to make sure everything is in its proper place. If it isn’t, we can suggest cosmetic or orthodontic solutions that can alleviate any discomfort.
To remove plaque and tartar
Brushing, flossing and rinsing should only make up half of your oral hygiene routine. Visiting the dentist to remove plaque and tartar should be the other. Plaque forms due to excess bacteria left on your teeth from improper brushing and turns into tartar if left untreated for a long period of time. Only your dentist can remove the tartar that has built up on your teeth, which ultimately keeps tooth decay at bay and prevents dental infections.
To prevent serious medical problems
The mouth is often assumed to be an isolated part of the body, when in reality it affects our bodily health as a whole. Infections that stem from tooth decay and gum disease can spread into the blood stream and to other areas of the body. Receiving a routine dental exam can ensure that measures are taken to prevent diseases altogether or keep them from spreading if you have one already.
To discuss cosmetic concerns
If there is something about your smile that you don’t like, then a routine examination is the perfect time to discuss your cosmetic options. Based on your dental exam, we can suggest cosmetic or orthodontic procedures that can improve the appearance of your smile and your oral health, too.
You may have stopped going to the dentist due to a bad experience in the past or because you simply don’t like the sounds of dental equipment, but in our office, we provide sedation options that will allow you to relax while you receive the dental care you need. During your initial visit with us, be sure to let us know if you suffer from dental anxiety so that we can provide you with the proper sedation option. This will ensure that your teeth remain healthy with no expense to your comfort. If it’s been a while since your last dental appointment, contact La Jolla Cosmetic Dentistry & Orthodontics at 858-295-0603 and schedule a consultation.
