Visiting a general dentist regularly can have a tremendous impact on the health and appearance of teeth. While carving out time in a schedule every six months for a dentist appointment can seem inconvenient, there are several reasons to set aside an hour or two twice a year for these visits.
Dental professionals use specialized tools to clean the teeth. These tools can accomplish things daily brushing and flossing are unable to do as thoroughly.
Throughout the day, the food and beverages that enter the mouth as well as saliva produce deposits of bacteria. As small amounts of bacteria accumulate towards the roots of the teeth, a plaque buildup forms. This plaque produces harmful acid that can damage both the teeth and gums, causing cavities, decay, and gingivitis.
The truth is, even high-quality toothbrushes are unable to remove 100% of the bacteria on the teeth. Unless a dental professional is allowed to use specialized tools to scrape off the plaque, it can continue to accumulate and damage the mouth. The longer the time between dental visits, the more plaque can build up and the greater the chances of tooth erosion and decay.
Plaque that is allowed to remain on the teeth can develop into an accumulation of tartar. Tartar is hard deposits on the teeth that can seal stains into the teeth and result in severe discoloration. Once tartar has formed, it is much more difficult to remove existing bacteria and plaque, so tooth damage and decay typically occur at a much faster rate. Attempting to deal with tartar buildup at home can result in chipped enamel or bloody gums, so visit a dental professional with the appropriate tools to remove tartar.
Even healthy teeth can benefit from regular general dentist visits.
Some of the discoloration that tends to occur towards the roots of the teeth along the gum line is the result of plaque and tartar buildup and can be removed with the proper dental tools. Although special bleaching procedures may be required to dramatically whiten the entire tooth, the enamel along the gum line can typically be brightened up with just a regular cleaning.
Teeth are generally more attractive when they are healthy. Straight, white teeth are one sign of good oral hygiene. Visiting a dentist routinely can help catch smaller issues or warning signs of damage before serious problems develop. Keeping the teeth and gums healthy can both help them look better and last longer.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
General Dentist in Oxford, MS
Both the health and appearance of the teeth can only be properly maintained through regular general dentist visits. Failure to visit the dentist twice yearly can result in unnecessary damage to the teeth and gums. Ensuring any plaque and tartar is promptly removed can keep the teeth from decaying and becoming discolored, as well as help them look great.
Request an appointment or call Lee Family and Cosmetic Dentistry at 662-546-1143 for an appointment in our Oxford office.
A loose tooth is not something that anyone wants to deal with as an adult. Thankfully, general dentists are trained and equipped to know what to do when a patient experiences a loosened tooth. Adult teeth can become loose as a result of an infection in the oral cavity. More often than not, this is due…
Visiting a general dentist for routine cleanings is essential for preventing common dental problems such as tooth decay or gum disease. While brushing and flossing every day can help remove a majority of bacteria and plaque from the teeth, it is impossible to completely remove all buildup. Frequently scheduling dental cleanings makes it possible to…
Persistent oral pain or extensive decay may send a patient to a general dentist, who must then advise whether the patient should try to save the tooth or have it pulled. To save the tooth, a root canal procedure may be necessary. This involves removing the infected pulp of the tooth and replacing it with…
It might take some time adjusting to your new smile and the proper denture care you should be doing. This is completely normal, but with a bit of practice and some education, you’ll begin to feel like you don’t even have dentures, and everything will be second nature. With that comfort, some people begin to…
Denture care is essential for dental health. How often do you think about your dentures? There's a good chance it's not as often as you should. Your dentures are part of your mouth and one of the most important parts because they can impact how your smile looks and feels.Denture care is vital for dental…