Do I really need to visit the dentist every six months?
According to studies, many adults cut back on their dental visits following high school. While 83% of children between the ages of 2-17 visit the dentist regularly, only 61.7% of adults make the dentist a regular part of their life.
Dr. Whitlock is working hard to change those statistics. Seeing the dentist at least every six months is critical to both your oral health and your overall health. While some patients may need to visit the dentist more often because of pressing oral health concerns, we highly recommend that all patients visit the dentist at least every six months.
Regular dental visits help with the following:
1. EARLY DETECTION
We have the opportunity to catch health concerns early because we typically see our patients more often than their physician. Your regular Whitlock visit includes checkups for gum disease, oral cancer, diabetes, and vitamin deficiencies. These are diseases and health issues that patients may not know about without attending their regularly scheduled dental appointment. Early detection often leads to greater treatment success while also saving time, money, and maybe even your life.
2. CLEANING
The majority of your regular dental visit focuses on cleaning your teeth to help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Patient comfort during your cleaning is a priority at Todd Whitlock Dentistry. Our hygiene team pays close attention to any sensitivity you may be experiencing throughout the cleaning process because we want you to feel relaxed and at ease during treatment.
During your professional cleaning we work to gently remove any plaque and tartar deposits that may have accumulated between visits. Plaque is a quick destroyer and regular visits can keep it under control. Our experienced dental hygienists meticulously and methodically remove build up above and below the gum line. If tartar is permitted to remain on your teeth it can allow bacteria to grow next to your gums leading to more serious concerns. Regular professional dental cleanings provide a critical foundation for your at-home daily oral care habits.
3. POLISHING
Professional polishing can help remove external stains from substances like coffee, tea, and other contributors that may have caused discoloration. The Whitlock team uses a special Prophylaxis paste during polishing designed to make your teeth shiny and smooth.
4. WE ENJOY SEEING YOU
Of course there are many oral health benefits to visiting the dentist regularly, but you should know that we really do enjoy seeing our patients. Six months is a long time between visits and we love to catch up and hear how you’ve been doing since we last saw you. We hope you always leave our office feeling well cared for and looking forward to your next visit.
Please make your regular dental visits a priority because we do. We look forward to seeing you again soon.