Do you want to take great care of your smile this year, but feel a bit confused about what that really means? Many people were taught, as kids, to brush their teeth twice a day. Sadly, their dental education may have ended there. When it comes to
proper preventive care, the good news is that it’s not a complicated process. It does, however, require some smart choices at-home, combined with regular dental cleanings, in order to help properly protect one’s smile from common problems like cavities, and even gum disease.
Do I Need to See the Dentist When My Smile Is Healthy?
Even if your smile appears to be healthy, there could still be acidic plaque buildup on the teeth, which could lead to acidic erosion or even irritation of the gums. That is why it is still important to see the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
For most patients, this means scheduling at least bi-annual dental checkups. That said, you might discover that your smile is more susceptible to cavities than the average person’s. This could be due to a number of factors, including your diet, genetics, poor hygiene or even because of medications you might be taking. In these cases, you may actually need more frequent cleanings to adequately prevent cavities.
How Do I Know If I Have a Cavity?
Not all patients experience any noticeable symptoms when they are suffering form dental decay. In most cases, though, there are some warning signs that a cavity could be developing. Heightened sensitivity, discomfort when chewing, or even discoloration can be indication of enamel erosion. Particularly if you haven’t recently had a checkup, it is best to visit the family dentist to see if restorative treatment might be needed.
In Need of Dental Treatment?
Is your smile in need of preventive or restorative treatment? If so, you can schedule a consultation with your family dentist at Creekside Family Dental Center in Columbia, TN by calling (931) 388-3384 today.