What’s the point of preventative dental appointments?

For many adults, a six month recall interval is recommended to help maintain their oral health. You may be wondering why, so we are going to address why preventative appointments are important and what to expect at your next one.

Why?

As we have discussed in previous posts, there is bacteria living in your mouth. These bacteria are the cause of tooth decay, plaque, and tartar. As the bacteria metabolize sugar from the foods you eat, it creates acid which causes your tooth enamel to soften and form a cavity. Plaque is large groups of these bacteria that colonize on your teeth above and below the gum surface. By brushing your teeth and flossing you remove much of the bacteria and help control the amount of plaque in your mouth. Unfortunately, brushing and flossing cannot completely remove all of the plaque. As the plaque mineralizes, tartar is formed. Tartar is much harder to remove from your teeth; this is when your dental care provider will help. Using specific instruments and machines to help them, dental professionals are able to clean the tartar from your teeth – above and below the gum line. This returns your mouth to its clean and healthy state. 

How often?

As there are many different conditions and circumstances that contribute to your oral health, each person’s preventative appointment schedule may be different. The bacteria in your mouth are specific to you and your habits, so the plaque and tartar in your mouth may form faster than someone else’s plaque and tartar. If this is the case, your dentist may recommend a shorter recall. A shorter interval may also be recommended if you have periodontal disease.

At Stephens Dentistry, our Evanston dental staff works with you to create an ideal recall interval specific to you. The most common recall schedule is 6 months between visits, however if you are at a higher risk for tartar build up or cavities, your dentist and hygienist may recommend a shorter recall – 3 or 4 months.

What to expect?

At your hygiene appointment your hygienist will discuss your medical history with you to ensure there are no contraindications between medications you are taking and the treatment you are receiving. Some medications may affect your dental condition, and therefore the health of your mouth. Some medical conditions have been found to correlate and complicate periodontal disease, so it is best to let your dental team know about your medical history, medications you are taking, and your dental habits.

Your hygienist will also address any concerns you have regarding your dental health. Your hygienist will be able to help you with any questions you have about your oral hygiene routine, any abnormalities in your gum tissue, or any tooth sensitivity. They will make notations and take any necessary x-rays and pictures assist the dentist address your concerns.

Your hygienist will then continue by scaling your teeth to remove plaque and tartar that has built up on your teeth. Once they are done scaling, they will finish by polishing your teeth using a dental grade pumice to remove any stains. After your hygienist has cleaned your teeth, your dentist will examine both your teeth and any x-rays to diagnose: decay, abfractions, recession, periodontal disease, oral cancer and the health of your current restorations. 

Your routine hygiene appointment is the best way to maintain a healthy mouth and smile. Use these appointments to the best of your advantage by talking with your dental team to find out what the best recall frequency is for you. 

Originally published on Stephens Dentistry