Why and When You Need a Routine Dental Exam and Cleaning

It’s that time of year when we make New Year’s resolutions, usually to take better care of ourselves and our health. When making your resolutions for the new year, don’t forget to resolve to get routine dental exams and cleanings this year to protect your teeth and overall health. Here is why you should get routine exams and how often.

When to Get a Dental Exam and Cleaning

You should really have a complete dental exam and dental cleaning about every six months. You should get your first dental exam and cleaning near the beginning of the year in January or February and the second cleaning and exam in June or July. Now is the best time to schedule your first-of-the-year dental exam and cleaning.

Early Detection

Routine dental exams are important because they allow for early detection of dental problems. Most often, the sooner a problem is detected, the easier it is to treat. For example, if you have a cavity just starting, it can usually be treated and filled to prevent tooth loss. Yet if that same cavity is left to fester without diagnosis and treatment, it could lead to more complicated and expensive procedures such as a root canal.

Dental Cleanings

Dental cleanings are also very important. Even if you brush twice a day and floss once per day as recommended by most dentists, you still aren’t getting your teeth completely clean. Most people are not getting their mouth truly clean, even when attempting to use good oral hygiene. The dental cleaning is an opportunity for the dentist to get your mouth truly clean, remove plaque buildup and tartar that can cause cavities, and prevent gum disease.

If you are ready to schedule your first-of-the-year dental exam and cleaning, contact our offices today for more information or to schedule your appointment.