When to Visit the Dentist

Your smile often makes the first impression, so make sure to keep it brilliant. Because regular visits to the dentist are vital to ensure that your oral health is well maintained, make sure you and your family visit as often as necessary. Most dental visits are warranted by an emergency or are as part of your dental care routine, and your family dentist can help you decide on the best schedule for you and your family. If you are unsure whether it is time to visit the dentist, look at some examples and standards for when it is in your best interest to set an appointment.

• Emergency Visits:

 

If your teeth have been chipped or knocked out due to a recent accident, you should visit an emergency dentist. Your dentist can help repair the affected area, installing dental crowns or veneers whenever it is no long possible to re-implant the lost tooth. Any injuries to your teeth or gums should receive immediate attention. When in doubt: If it hurts, go see your dentist right away.

 

Even in other instances when you are experiencing tooth and gum pain not as a result of an accident, you should still set a priority to see the dentist. This pain is often a symptom of a larger health issue. Toothaches can alert you of an abscess or dental cavity, which will need to be handled by a professional dentist. Red or swollen gums can be a symptom of gum disease or gingivitis, and will also require professional care.

• Regular Visits:

 

According to the American Dental Association, the standard for dental visits should be once every six months. However, dependent on your oral health, your dentist will make his/her own recommendation on how often you should visit for regular dental examinations. Through these routine exams and teeth cleanings, you can better ensure that your oral health is well maintained and avoid dental emergencies in the future.

 

Your dentist can educate you on important procedures to follow at home, helping your regular visits go smoothly and helping to prevent the need for emergency visits. Especially following your visit, your dentist can point out certain areas that need attention, whether through increased flossing or better brushing techniques to follow at home. They can also recommend a cosmetic dentist when you are thinking about whitening your smile.

 

As important as regular visits to your local dentist office are, it is just as important to follow good dental hygiene at home. Always be sure to brush and floss after meals to prevent the risk of cavities and other dental problems. Plaque and tartar can build up quickly, and many foods and beverages can cause quick tooth discoloration. Ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy by regularly brushing and flossing between visits. Your dentist can also help you develop a regular schedule of when to visit for you and your family, so call on your local dentist office today.