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When was the Last Time You Saw Your Dentist?

When was the Last Time You Saw Your Dentist?

Summer is winding down and if you have barely had a spare moment to yourself, you are probably enjoying the quiet time now that your kids are back at school. Autumn is the time when we put away the outdoor cushions, close up the pool for the season and take stock of what needs to be done before the holidays, and if you can’t remember the last time you scheduled a checkup with your dentist, you could be overdo for a dental appointment.

According to the American Dental Association, your teeth should be cleaned every six months, even more so if you are on any type of medication, as some prescriptions, and even over the counter drugs, can weaken the enamel on your teeth.

Dental checkups are also important regardless of how habitual you are about dental habits. You may brush twice, floss once each day, and use a good mouthwash, but also included in your oral regime should be a good healthy diet and regular cleanings with your dentist.

Plaque, that sticky film that is left behind after you eat, drink, and when you wake up in the morning, converts to acid and bacteria. Without proper cleaning that plaque will eat away at the enamel on your teeth. Once it has progressed to tartar, which is the hard substance the can sit between your teeth and at your gum line, it can only be removed by your dentist. If that happens, you may need to be treated with a Root Planing and Scaling treatment to get rid of the plaque and tartar, which may have already developed into gingivitis or the more serious periodontal disease.

Stick to the plan and get ready for autumn with a thorough checkup with your dentist, and don’t forget to make sure than an oral cancer screening is included in your checkup. Also, ask about dental cleanings, which should also be taken care of when you visit with your dentist. Call and schedule an appointment today.