“More than 50 years ago, examinations of people entering the military showed that Americans’ teeth were in pretty bad shape. Few people took good care of their teeth. There were no guidelines for how often you should see a dentist. Many dentists focused on fixing problems rather than preventing them. Dental and health organizations decided there was a need to set standards for preventive dentistry. They didn’t have much evidence, so they made a “best guess” recommendation. They said people should go to the dentist twice a year for checkups and cleaning because cavities and gum disease are preventable. Some say the first use of the twice-a-year advice actually came from Pepsodent toothpaste ads. Whatever the origins, this has proven to be a useful rule of thumb for many people. But scheduling dental visits really should be based upon each person’s oral hygiene, habits, and medical conditions” (Colgate). A regular dental checkup helps you stay on guard and serves as an effective way to catch dental problems when they first start. Early detection is critical to dental care so any issues can be addressed before they develop into major dental problems. Here at Comfort Care Family Dental, we recommend our patients who have no other health or dental concerns to worry about getting seen every 6 months for a general dental checkup and cleaning session.
Why Dental Checkups Are Necessary
There has, in recent years, been a strong correlation shown between oral health and overall health and wellbeing. When your teeth and gums are healthy, it is easier for your body to fight off illness, infection, and disease. When your teeth and gums are plagued with infection and are in poor condition, the exact opposite is true. Taking care of your teeth and gums is critical to staying healthy and is why you need to make sure you brush and floss every day. You also need to make smart choices about how you take care of your overall health. Even if you take excellent care of your teeth and gums at home, you still need to see a dentist regularly to get that expert level of care and attention that can only be obtained from a trained dental expert. Your dentist can check for problems that you may not see or feel. Most dental problems have already been well established and have been causing problems for some time before visible warning signs like swelling, redness, bleeding, or pain is noticed at home.
On average, our dental team here at Comfort Care Family Dental recommend our patients see our care team at least twice a year. Some people can get away with fewer visits. Others may need to be seen more often for optimal care. Those who are at a high risk for dental problems may need some sort of care and treatment every month to two months in order to take care of their more involved dental needs. This high-risk group that needs more dental checkups includes:
- Smokers are at risk because the tobacco and tar can cause havoc with teeth and gums, leading to infection, cause staining of the teeth, and can result in an increased risk of oral cancer.
- Pregnant women go through major physical and hormonal changes, and their dental health can have a huge impact on their health and the health of their baby during pregnancy.
- Diabetics are at an increased risk for dental problems because Diabetes can weaken the immune system and because infections can cause blood sugar levels to get out of whack.
- People with active cases of advanced gum disease will need regular care and professional cleanings to clear out the infection and repair the damage done to the gums and teeth.
- People with a weak or otherwise compromised immune system will need help if they are dealing with dental issues like bacterial infection or are in need of advanced dental work.
- People who have a lot of cavities or who seem to get a lot of build up of plaque can benefit from more routine dental cleanings to keep tabs on the health of their teeth and gums.
The frequency of dental checkups and cleanings can change throughout a person’s life. Usually, younger and older individuals need more routine checks, and those who have otherwise healthy bodies and mouths can get away with fewer checks each year. When you visit Comfort Care Family Dental, our team will work with you to determine the best schedule for your routine dental visits and will work to make any necessary adjustment to your care schedule to ensure your smile stays as bright and healthy as possible.
What you should do between each dental visit
Good dental care has to be done each and every day. Even monthly dental cleanings and checkups will mean nothing if you are not taking care of your teeth and gums every day. Here are some tips for good oral care at home between dental checkups at your dentist’s office.
- Brush twice a day at least, for a minimum of 2-3 minutes each time.
- Floss daily at least once, before bed if at all possible to get teeth clean before you sleep.
- Use a mouthwash or similar rinse to wash particles away and to clean your whole mouth.
- Avoid sugary food and drink, and when you do have them, brush or rinse when you are done.
- Don’t chew on hard items like candy, ice, pen caps, pencils, or similar things.
- Eat a balanced and healthy diet and take care of your overall health.
Contact Comfort Care Family Dental Today
For the best in dental checkup and general care, contact us today. Our team of experts is ready to go to work for you and can help you take care of your whole mouth. Don’t put it off any longer. Don’t let small problems become big problems. Don’t live with the embarrassment, pain, and regret of unhealthy teeth and gums. Get the care and attention your teeth and gums need now. Call and schedule your consultation appointment with the Comfort Care Family Dental team today! We are here for you and can help you with your dental checkups and care plans so take the first step now!
Comfort Care Family Dental P.C.
1001 E Chicago Ave #143, Naperville, IL 60540
(630) 369-0111
http://www.comfortcaredentists.com
