Annual dental checkups are necessary for improved dental health and hygiene.
Everyone seems to know that regular dental check-ups help maintain your dental health. The problem is that people are often busy and don’t take the time to schedule routine dental visits.
This is a mistake that can end up being very costly to your teeth and gums. Therefore, we’d like to take some time to discuss why annual dental check-ups (at the very least) are an essential part of a good oral health regimen.
Why You Should Schedule an Annual Dental Check-Up
Visiting your dentist is important, but for whatever reason, people often skip it. We understand that people are often apprehensive about going to the dentist, but the advantages simply can’t be overstated. To give you a bit of an idea, here are just some of the benefits that you’ll get from scheduling an annual dental check-up:
How to Prevent Cavities and Decay
As you probably expected, we’re going to start this list off by talking about cavities and potential tooth loss. Seeing the dentist at least once per year will help reduce plaque and tartar buildup. This means you’ll be more likely to avoid cavities, but if any are found during an exam, they can be fixed with a simple filling.
Keep Gum Disease at Bay
The first signs of gum disease are actually very difficult for someone to notice at home, but dentists are trained for this sort of thing. During your check-up, the dentist will examine your gums and make sure they’re firm and in good shape. If any problems are found, such as swelling, receding gums, or deep pockets, they’ll start you on a treatment to help repair the damage.
Avoid Bigger Dental Issues
Many people have a tendency to skip dentist visits for years. This can result in a small problem getting a whole lot bigger. For example, what starts off as a small cavity can get so bad that it requires a root canal. A yearly check-up will help identify these problems early, which saves you a lot of hassle and, more importantly, money.
Check for Signs of Oral Cancer
In many cases, the first time someone learns that they have oral cancer is because it was discovered during a dental check-up or treatment. Since oral cancer can quickly turn into a life-threatening situation, it’s always best to detect it as early as possible. The dentist will do this by checking for dead tissue caused by tumors.
Detect Systemic Health Issues
Many people don’t realize that an annual dental check-up includes an examination of a person’s head and neck. The dentist will examine your lymph nodes, neck, and jaws for swelling, lumps, etc. If any problems are found, they’ll direct you to the proper medical professional.
Dental Care Tips Between Each Annual Dental Check-Up
Scheduling an annual dental check-up will help you take care of your teeth and gums, but that’s only part of the process. You also need to dedicate every day to a reasonable amount of dental care. To maintain oral and dental health, be sure to follow these three simple tips:
Brush and Floss Every Day
The most obvious way to keep your teeth and gums healthy is to brush your teeth twice a day. You should also floss once per day to remove food and residue from between the gaps in your teeth. And if you have a tendency to eat either acidic or sugary foods in the middle of the day, you should add a separate brushing following your meal.
Get Bi-Annual Dental Cleanings
Getting an annual dental check-up will go a long way toward keeping your teeth healthy, but you also need to schedule biannual dental cleanings. A professional cleaning done every six months will keep your mouth feeling refreshed and your teeth looking great. If you skip a few appointments, then your dentist may recommend that you get a deep cleaning.
Use Fluoride Dental Products
Lastly, if you don’t already use fluoride dental products, add them to your regular routine. Fluoride toothpaste is always a good choice, but you should also rinse with a fluoride mouthwash once or twice per day. Using these items will cut down on your chances of getting cavities or gum disease. They’ll also leave your breath feeling more refreshed.
Contact Dr. Ferullo for an Annual Dental Check-Up
The St. Petersburg dentist office of Dr. Ferullo is now accepting new patients. If it’s time for your annual dental check-up or you have any questions about our services, call our office at (727) 822-8101 today.
