You may be in the habit of seeing your general doctor once a year for your annual checkup. Maybe you’re also good about seeing your eye doctor yearly too. But what about visiting the dentist? Unlike what some people may believe, a dentist isn’t just there for when you run into a dental issue. You should also be visiting the dentist’s office for regular checkups in order to keep your smile healthy.
The Rule of Thumb
The standard recommendation for how often you need a dental checkup is every six months. That being said, there are some patients who may need to see the dentist more frequently throughout the year. For example, patients who are dealing with gum disease may need to see the dentist every three to four months. If you’re ever in doubt about how often you need a checkup, then don’t hesitate to ask your dental team.
What to Expect
During those routine dental checkups, your dentist will see if there are any issues that have developed that need addressing like a cavity or the eruption of wisdom teeth. The good thing about seeing a dentist regularly is that any problems can be spotted early. This allows them to be handled before they become a bigger and more expensive concern, or even a dental emergency.
Dental Hygiene Cleanings
On top of that, you’ll get a thorough dental cleaning before or after your checkup. During this cleaning, a dental hygienist will remove any plaque or tartar that has accumulated on your teeth since your last visit. Since they have special tools and techniques, they can remove build-up that you won’t be able to eliminate on your own at home, even if you have great dental hygiene.
Preventive Dentistry at Hillstream Dental
If it’s time for your next dental checkup, we’d be happy to take care of you at Hillstream Dental. We have two convenient practice locations, one in Rochester Hills and one in St. Clair Shores, and you can call or email either to set up an appointment.
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