Why You Need to Visit the Dentist

So, you brush your teeth twice a day, floss every day (or at least try to), and even use a mouth rinse occasionally. You may think that you don’t really need to visit your dentist at Cros Dental the recommended twice a year. However, regular visits help to ensure that your oral health is properly maintained. At Cros Dental, we offer a variety of services, including cleanings and exams, to our patients in Rancho Mirage, CA to make sure that their dental health is taken care of. Here are a few reasons why you should visit your dentist.

How often you should go

For most people, it’s recommended that visiting the dentist twice a year – every six months – is the best practice. Some may not have to go as often while certain groups of people are at a higher risk of getting dental diseases and are recommended to see the dentist every three to four months. These include:

  • Pregnant women
  • Diabetics
  • Smokers
  • People with gum disease
  • People with a weak immune response to bacterial infection
  • People who tend to get cavities

Your dentist at Cros Dental will be able to tell you how often you need to visit our offices.

Removing plaque

No matter how diligently you clean your teeth every day, there will always be a trace of plaque left behind. As the plaque builds up, it could harden into tartar and become more difficult to remove. Bacteria live in plaque and tartar that produce acids that harm the teeth and could cause cavities. Visiting the dentist to get routine cleanings is important to prevent cavities.

Find hidden issues

About once a year, your dentist will take an x-ray of your teeth and jaw. By examining these images, he or she will be able to find problems before they reach a more serious stage. These include issues like bone decay and cysts. Finding these early gives your dentist a better chance of treating the problem successfully.

Oral cancer is another condition that can be detected during regular dentist appointments. By performing an oral cancer screening, your dentist can catch problems early on before they worsen and become life-threatening.

Find gum disease

Besides cavities, plaque and tartar can also cause gum disease. As it progresses, the gums start to pull away from the teeth and can get infected. This could eventually lead to tooth loss. To prevent this from happening, and the need for surgical treatments, it’s advisable to visit your Dentist in Rancho Mirage, CA to detect and treat gum disease in its early stages. Additionally, regular cleanings help to keep the gums healthy, preventing gum disease from developing in the first place.

Though you may be tempted to skip your dental appointments because you don’t currently notice any problems in your mouth, keep in mind that these appointments are essentially preventative care – they help to maintain your health to avoid any potential problems. At Cros Dental in Rancho Mirage, CA, our dental professionals can provide the oral care you need to maintain healthy teeth and gums.