The American Dental Association recommends that adults see a dentist for routine exams every six months. Most dental insurance plans cover exams and cleanings twice a year. The reason for the six-month visits is because things can go wrong that quickly with your teeth, but fortunately, routine exams can catch problems early and keep treatment simple. Six-month visits can simply keep your teeth and gums healthy and greatly reduce the chance of problems that would require extensive treatment.
During a routine exam at Kettleman Dental Care, Dr. Sattout will examine your teeth and gums, checking for signs of cavities, gum disease or other problems. X-rays will give a better view of what’s going on inside your mouth, and a cleaning will not only cleanse your mouth and gums, but it can reverse simple gum disease if it is present.
You should brush and floss your teeth twice a day to keep your mouth healthy. Flossing is essential to remove all food particles that a brush can’t reach. Food particles left behind provide an environment for bad bacteria to thrive, which can lead to chronic bad breath and gum disease. Gum disease is nearly impossible to avoid completely throughout an entire lifetime, which is why six-month exams are an important part of your oral hygiene routine.
Prevention at home should include fluoride toothpaste, and in the dental office it may include fluoride treatment as a part of a cleaning. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and reduces the risk of cavities. Fluoride has gone a long way in reducing the overall occurrence of cavities in children and adults over the years. Dr. Sattout may recommend that you use a fluoride rinse at home. Dental sealants are recommended for most children, but adults may wish to get dental sealants to further protect their teeth. Sealants are painted on the teeth and provide a smoother surface, which inhibits the growth of bacteria.
Your regular checkup is also a great time to ask about any dental concerns you have. If you would like to learn more about methods of flossing, the best type of toothbrush to use, or anything else related to your dental care, just ask. When you work with the dentist to coordinate your at-home and in-office oral hygiene routine, your oral health will benefit and be all that much easier to maintain.
Whenever you have a problem such as toothache, bad breath that seems chronic, sore or bleeding gums or any unusual pain or the appearance of sores or lumps in or around the mouth, call as soon as possible for an appointment. When things are going well, keep appointments for exams every six months. You can call Kettleman Dental Care in Lodi at anytime to set up an appointment or ask about our services.