Routine dental care is vital for anyone striving to achieve optimum health. Dentists recommend two preventative dental visits per year, but much can happen between visits; therefore, it is crucial to get the most out of each appointment.
Professional cleanings are an essential component of routine dental care and can remove plaque and tartar below the gum line where a toothbrush and floss cannot reach. In-office cleanings are vital for healthy teeth and gums, but patients can also contribute to successful dental appointments by doing the following.
Although it is advisable to visit a dentist as soon as issues arise, a routine appointment is a time to raise concerns about various topics, including:
Some problems may be noticeable during cleanings or exams, whereas others requiring further investigation may not be apparent without patients' disclosures.
Overall health and oral health often intertwine, and many illnesses lead to oral complications or may eliminate some procedure options. When patients disclose general health issues, dentists can recommend treatment or maintenance plans. For example, individuals with diseases that reduce saliva production have a predisposition for cavities and may benefit from fluoride treatments. Some cardiac patients require antibiotics before undergoing routine dental care to prevent infections.
Patients should inform dentists about medication changes. Many drugs have oral side effects that dentists can counter using various strategies, including advising patients to increase cleaning frequency, prescribing artificial saliva, or recommending specific oral cleaning products.
Brushing and flossing every day is essential for maintaining a healthy mouth, but guidelines periodically change as dentistry evolves. Patients should ask dentists or hygienists to review home cleaning techniques and offer advice and suggestions for achieving maximum benefits.
Patients who communicate feelings of uneasiness can ensure productive dental appointments by giving dentists opportunities to provide positive experiences. Dentists can administer treatments to promote relaxation, offer topical ointments to eliminate pain, and communicate details about what to expect throughout a visit.
Patients can minimize out-of-pocket costs by remembering to use dental insurance benefits. Many insurance providers cover up to two routine dental visits per year, including cleanings and other preventative care. People with dental insurance can get the most out of a dental appointment by confirming insurance coverage before scheduling. Patients who raise financial concerns may be able to negotiate payment plans to obtain care unavailable otherwise.
The cleanings and exams available at a dentist's office and a rigorous home maintenance plan can prevent many dental problems. Dentists who see patients every six months can discover potential issues to avoid serious complications. Patients can get the most out of routine dental visits by adhering to this schedule and not allowing care to lag.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Routine Dental Care in Sacramento, CA
Preventative dental care is a necessary part of maintaining good general health. Minimal preparation before visiting a dentist can ensure that patients get the most out of every routine dental care appointment.
Request an appointment or call Dental Excellence of Greenhaven at 916-293-0504 for an appointment in our Sacramento office.
Many people today think professional teeth cleaning is optional and its purpose is primarily to keep the smile bright. In fact, it should be part of routine dental care. Getting a cleaning from a dental professional is important for both the appearance and health of the entire mouth.Even those who brush and floss twice daily…
While some might believe visiting the dentist is only necessary for emergencies, routine dental care can be vital for oral health and overall wellness. There are a variety of benefits to seeing a dentist two or three times a year, no matter a patient’s stage of life. While regular brushing and flossing can help keep…
Routine dental care is one of the most important factors contributing to good dental health. While going to the dentist twice a year is the standard rule of thumb, the frequency of the visits ultimately depends on the patient's needs and the recommendation of the dentist. Learn how often routine care should be scheduled and…
Some people genuinely fear getting a dental checkup. Yet, not only is seeing a dentist essential to maintaining healthy teeth and gums, but it is also a process that is not scary at all. Dental professionals recommend a checkup every six months. That way, you can prevent a simple problem from becoming a serious issue.…
Most people grow up believing certain myths about dental checkups. Online information can also be misleading when it comes to dental healthcare. As innovations in dental health continue to surface, most of these falsities are debunked. Below are some of the common dental checkup myths and the truth behind each of them.Fact: Firm or medium-bristled…