Knowing how cavities are caused and what you can do at home to prevent them is only part of the equation to maintaining great oral health. You also need to be visiting your dentist regularly, to remove plaque buildup, which can lead to cavities and a host of other dental conditions. If you’re still not sure why regular checkups are so important, understanding even more about your dental health can be a great incentive to schedule your next checkup and cleaning. If you want to enjoy a healthy smile now and moving forward, it’s important to combine daily hygiene with preventive dental visits.
Regular Checkups Aren’t Just for Those With Dental Problems
Most people are guilty of skipping out on regular dental checkups, at least from time to time. Many do so because they wrongly believe that dental visits are only truly necessary when there are warning signs of trouble, like heightened sensitivity or discomfort while chewing.
Unfortunately, the more frequently a person skips out on preventive dental visits, the more likely he or she is to develop dental problems, including cavities, gum disease, and even painful infections. That is because brushing and flossing are often not enough to completely prevent plaque buildup. Left to calcify into tartar buildup, only a professional cleaning can remove these bacteria.
Since plaque creates acidity in the mouth, over time the bacteria will begin to erode the surface of the enamel, until the layer beneath it has become exposed, causing a cavity.
The best way to prevent this, and other dental issues, is by combining regular hygiene at-home with dental checkups and cleanings at least once every six months. This is the guideline most often recommended by dentists, for both kids and adults alike.
Of course, some patients may require more frequent dental checkups, particularly those that have been prone to cavities in the past, or anyone currently struggling with gum disease (which may require frequent periodontal cleaning to reverse the symptoms and to restore the oral health).
ABOUT YOUR WACO, TX, DENTIST:
We look forward to providing families with exceptional care and advanced treatment options. To schedule an appointment with Corbet Locke, DDS, contact our Waco, TX, dental office today by calling 254-776-4888. Our office welcomes patients in and around Waco, TX, including Hewitt, McGregor, Woodway, and the surrounding Central Texas communities.