Many people are surprised to find out that ADA, American Dental Association, recommends that dental patients of all ages complete professional cleanings and assessments every six months. That is why, today, our Mill Valley dentists are sharing some information about optimizing your ongoing dental care.
How often should I be seeing my dentist?
The American Dental Association recommends that both adult and pediatric patients come in for dental appointments every six months or so. People with underlying health issues, like diabetes, may benefit from more frequent appointments and cleanings. It is really important to stick to a schedule so that plaque and tartar are not able to build up too much between cleanings.
What happens during an appointment?
So much! Once you’re in the dentist’s chair, our team will check your teeth for signs of developing cavities. We’ll screen your mouth for cancerous and pre-cancerous tissues, and check your gums for signs of periodontal disease. Then, we’ll thoroughly clean your mouth, and remove calcified plaque (called tartar) that has bonded to your dental enamel. Finally, we’ll polish your teeth, and talk to you about any adjustments that you may want to mae to your at-home cleaning routine.
But my smile feels fine, what’s the point?
The point of keeping up with semi-annual appointments is to prevent dental problems from arising in the first place. No matter how thoroughly you clean your smile at home, some plaque in your mouth will inevitably turn into tartar. And, you really need professional tools and treatments in order to clear away harmful tartar.
Do pediatric patients need to see a dentist twice a year too?
The short answer is, “yes!” The longer answer is that semi-annual cleanings are right for most kids, and your dental team will let you know if your child needs to come in more frequently. Remember, pediatric dental care is all about building a healthy oral foundation for your child moving into adolescence and adulthood.
Even if it has been years since you’ve been in to see your dentist, semi-annual appointments can help you get back on track. Get started by giving our Mill Valley dental team a call, or using the Contact Us page on our site.