How Often Should I Visit The Dentist?

The Basics Of Preventive Care

Preventive dental care in St. Clair Shores and Grosse Pointe is essential for maintaining your oral health, and preventing common oral health problems like gum disease and tooth decay. But how often do you need to visit the dentist, and what can you expect when you get preventive care? Learn everything you need to know from St. Clair Tooth Co. 

You Should See The Dentist For Preventive Care Every Six Months

The ADA and all major dental associations agree that patients should see a dentist like Dr. Carly Cassleman for preventive care every six months. Preventive care, such as an oral exam and teeth cleaning, is the best way to avoid oral health problems like cavities and gingivitis.

Seeing the dentist every six months for preventive care has a variety of different benefits. First, you’ll be able to avoid dental health problems like gum disease and cavities, and keep your smile healthy and strong. This also helps save you time and money, since you can avoid further dental treatments like dental fillings for cavities and deep cleanings for gum disease.

You’ll also get peace of mind, knowing that your smile is healthy and strong. If there are ever any issues with your oral health, you’ll find out during your appointment with Dr. Cassleman, and you can get the help you need.

What Is Preventive Dental Care?

You may think that preventive care just includes routine oral exams and teeth cleanings. You’d be right, but there’s more to preventive care than your six-month cleaning and consultation. 

• Teeth cleanings & oral exams – Six-month cleanings and oral exams are the foundation of preventive care. A hygienist will scrape away plaque and tartar, buff your teeth, and floss your mouth, then Dr. Cassleman will perform a comprehensive oral exam to assess your oral health.
  
• Oral cancer screenings – Oral cancer screenings can usually be done during a routine cleaning and oral exam. Dr. Cassleman will look for lesions, discolored patches of skin, and other potential signs of oral cancer to ensure your mouth is healthy.
  
• X-rays – X-rays may be taken during your first appointment at our office, and are usually taken every 2-3 years thereafter, unless Dr. Cassleman needs to use an x-ray to diagnose an oral health problem. X-rays allow us to see hidden issues with your smile, and are a powerful diagnostic tool.
  
• Fluoride treatments – Fluoride treatments can be done as part of a routine cleaning, and they help strengthen your teeth and reverse minor cavities. Fluoride-rich gel or paste is applied to your teeth, left in place for a few minutes, then rinsed away. The fluoride helps attract minerals to your teeth to strengthen them.
  
• Dental sealants – This treatment uses liquid dental resin, which is applied directly to your teeth, then hardened using a UV light. This creates a strong, transparent barrier. This barrier prevents cavities by protecting your enamel from contact with oral acid, bacteria, and food particles.

Come To St. Clair Tooth Co. For A Consultation Today

At St. Clair Tooth Co., Dr. Carly Cassleman can provide you with the preventive care you need for a healthy smile. So don’t wait. If you’re overdue for an oral exam in Grosse Pointe or St. Clair Shores, contact us online or call us at (586) 404-4911 to schedule an appointment today.