Good dental hygiene is essential to prevent bacteria growth and dental cavities.
Dental hygienists work with the dentist to provide preventative oral care, cleaning patients' teeth and examining them for signs of damage and disease. Dental hygienists also teach patients, particularly young children, about the importance of maintaining good oral health.
At your semi-annual dental check-up, your teeth will be professionally cleaned from plaque and tartar, which cannot be removed by brushing and flossing. If plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth, they can cause tooth decay, gum inflammation, and other dental problems. A teeth cleaning is also more affordable than fillings, crowns, and other restorative services. So make sure to get these done regularly!
Your regular dental visit is a good opportunity to speak with your dentist about cosmetic procedures, like Invisalign and professional teeth whitening. Since not everyone is a good candidate for these procedures, your dentist can provide recommendations based on your specific needs and goals.
When you go in for your regular dental check-up, your dentist and Hygienist will educate you on ways to take better care of your oral health. They will check for any oral damage caused by teeth grinding (bruxism), brushing your teeth too hard, diet, smoking or vaping. Your dentist can then offer you advice to alter your lifestyle choices to help your oral health be the best it can be.
Your dentist can help you find and fix problems before they require more expensive dental work and more complicated procedures in the future. Furthermore, most dental insurance companies will pay for two cleanings/check-ups a year, so you won't have to pay out of pocket.
By following your dental hygiene routine and seeing your dentist for check ups every 6 months, will help keep your teeth and gums healthy in the long-term.
