Do you remember the last time you visited the dentist? Most dentists, including Dr. Pamela Cain in Knoxville, TN, recommend professional teeth cleanings every six months. If you don’t have tooth pain, a broken tooth, or any other oral health problems, you might be wondering why you need to visit your dentist twice a year. Learn more about why dental visits are important and what you can do to protect your oral health for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
What Happens At Dental Visits
There are two parts to each dental visit: a hygienist cleans the teeth, and a dentist examines them. Usually the cleaning is done first, but if you are due for annual X-rays or have pain, you will have those taken first, before the dentist examines your teeth.
The goal of the exam is to check for cavities, ensure teeth are stable, and prevent small issues from becoming major problems. Even people who brush and floss every day need to supplement their oral hygiene with a dental exam and professional cleaning.
Why Are Professional Teeth Cleanings Necessary?
Plaque and tartar build up on the teeth, even with regular brushing and flossing. Plaque is a sticky layer of bacteria that hardens to form tartar, which is what eventually erodes tooth enamel and causes cavities. Brushing and flossing remove most of the plaque, but it’s still difficult to get it all. Once plaque has hardened into tartar, it cannot be removed with brushing alone and must be removed with professional tools.
During your professional teeth cleaning, your hygienist will remove plaque and tartar, check for cavities, and can let you know where you might need to pay extra attention when brushing your teeth. Many people find that the front of their bottom teeth near the gum line has a lot of tartar buildup.
Dental Checkups Help Prevent Tooth Decay
If left untreated, tooth decay can lead to advanced stages of gum disease, which are linked to systemic health problems in addition to tooth loss and abscesses. Your hygienist and dentist will be able to spot problems, such as small cavities, before they destroy your teeth and gums. An added benefit of our Knoxville, TN dental office is the local expertise of Dr. Robert Cain, a periodontist who can easily assist if there are indications of tooth decay or gum disease.
Knoxville, TN Professional Teeth Cleaning
Scheduling and keeping checkups with your dentist is essential to maintaining good oral health and will help you avoid potentially uncomfortable and expensive procedures. If you need a checkup, call 865.276.7173 or schedule your appointment online.