Wondering if you should see the dentist for a teeth cleaning every six months? Not sure if this is the right appointment interval for you? In this blog from Dodds Dental, we’ll discuss the importance of six-month dental visits, as well as steps you can take to preserve your oral health at home.
It’s Best To See The Dentist Every Six Months For Preventive Care
The recommendation of the ADA and most other major dental associations and organizations is that patients should see the dentist to get a teeth cleaning and oral exam twice a year (every six months). This is the recommendation we follow at Dodds Dental, so we recommend that you see Dr. Emily or Dr. Dustin Dodds for a consultation every six months.
Why should you see the dentist every six months for preventive care? First, you’ll get peace of mind. After your appointment, you’ll know that your mouth is in great shape, and if there are any issues, Dr. Emily or Dr. Dustin can discuss any follow-ups you may need, or give you tips on at-home oral care.
You can also save time and money, since you’ll be able to catch problems like tooth decay and gum disease early, and avoid the need for more expensive, invasive treatments like periodontal care (scaling & root planing), fillings, dental crowns, and more.
Not only that, but your smile will look and feel better, too. At your appointment at Dodds Dental, your hygienist will scrape away plaque and tartar that you can’t remove on your own, which helps remove surface stains and keeps your smile bright.
Proper At-Home Oral Care Is Also Essential For A Healthy Mouth
Although seeing Dr. Dustin or Dr. Emily every six months will help you maintain a healthy mouth, dental visits are only part of the puzzle. Proper at-home oral care and hygiene are also essential for avoiding dental health problems. Here are a few steps you can take to improve your oral hygiene at home.
- Brush twice a day for two minutes – Regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste is the best way to prevent cavities and gum disease. Brush once in the morning and once at night after your final meal for the best results.
- Floss once per day – Flossing once per day removes food debris and plaque that can’t be reached with brushing alone, so this is an essential step for safeguarding your oral health.
- Use mouthwash after flossing – Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash after flossing helps remove debris that was knocked loose while flossing, and also helps kill bacteria and freshen your breath.
- Reduce sugar consumption – Sugar, particularly sugar found in beverages like coffee, tea, cola, and cocktails, is the prime cause of tooth decay. Reducing your overall sugar intake will help you keep your smile healthy.
Contact Dodds Dental To Schedule Your Next Checkup Today
If you’re overdue for a dental consultation in Long Beach, Dr. Emily and Dr. Dustin Dodds are here to help. We are always accepting new patients, and the team at Dodds Dental will provide you with the preventive dental care you need to keep your mouth healthy. Contact us online or give us a call at (562) 439-0754 to schedule your appointment.
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