Did you know that according to Health Canada, 75% of Canadians visit a dental clinic every year? Over the past 40 years, Canadians have experienced a decrease in dental decay. This can be linked to a large number of people regularly going to the dentist.
With this in mind, you may be wondering if you need to schedule a dentist appointment every year as well. Read on to learn about whether or not it's necessary and more tips for excellent oral health!
How Often Are You Supposed to Go to the Dentist?
If you have no underlying conditions such as cavities, dentists recommend you make a dentist appointment every six months to a year. You may be wondering why going to the dentist is necessary if you brush twice a day, floss, and even use mouthwash. This is because dentists and hygienists can clean your teeth in areas that you've missed or cannot reach. The plaque will harden over time in areas that you've missed and they have tools that are capable of giving your teeth a deep cleaning. Here are a few tools that they use: Mirrors Small mirrors are used inside your mouth in order to view hard-to-reach areas. Reflecting the light from overhead enables dentists to identify tartar easily. Scalers Scalers are metal, hand-held devices that are used to scrape large deposits of plaque and calculus (tartar) from your teeth. They are used to safely scrape away the debris from above and below the gumline. Polishers Polishers are used after the hygienist has removed the debris from your teeth. These look a lot like electric toothbrushes. Along with the polisher, your hygienist will use a slightly abrasive paste in order to polish your teeth to sparkling perfection.
Should You See the Dentist More Often?
Although six months to a year checkups are often recommended, your dentist or hygienist may recommend you come more often if there are underlying issues with your teeth or gums that need to be addressed. Here are just a few: Periodontal (Gum) Disease This infection is typically caused by inadequate brushing and flossing habits. Signs are bleeding gums, painful chewing, and tooth loss. You may also experience bad breath that doesn't seem to go away, loose teeth, and receding gums. Cavities Cavities are areas on the hard surface of your teeth that are permanently damaged. If you find that you have a toothache, tooth sensitivity, and visible holes in your teeth, you probably have a cavity.
Schedule a Dentist Appointment Online Today
It's important that you schedule a dentist appointment sooner rather than later in order to tackle your dental health before issues get worse. For instance, your dentist may be able to notice signs of tooth decay and a buildup of plaque before you form cavities. After proper cleaning, they'll be able to give you tips on how to brush your teeth properly. This can save you a good deal of discomfort and money. Ready to go to the dentist? Contact us in order to book a dentist appointment today!