Dr. Timothy Lethin of Anchorage, AK, encourages you and your family to visit the dentist regularly for your oral and overall health. If you're wondering if it's time to see a dentist, it is recommended to see a dentist twice a year for a cleaning and exam. Putting off going to the dentist often means you will need more dental work when you do make an appointment, so come see us now to protect your smile!
Regular dental visits
Regular teeth cleaning appointments are important to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. When plaque isn't removed by regular brushing, it hardens and forms into tartar. Tartar cannot be brushed away and must be removed by a dental professional at a cleaning appointment. When tartar builds up on the gumline it irritates the gums and causes them to pull away from the teeth. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss, so you want to be examined twice a year to make sure gum disease does not progress.
At professional teeth cleaning appointment, all plaque and tartar are removed by your dentist or hygienist and your whole mouth is flossed. Exams are important because it is an opportunity for your dentist to check your whole mouth and identify potential problem areas. You can adjust your hygiene routine accordingly to keep your mouth healthy!
Investing in your smile by sticking to regular cleaning appointments pays off. When a tooth only has a little decay, it can be saved with a small filling that won't compromise the structure of the tooth. If you wait until you are in pain to see a dentist, this likely means there is already a significant amount of decay in a tooth. You could need a root canal or even a tooth replacement. When you see a dentist twice a year at our Anchorage, AK, practice you're investing in your smile.
Caring for your smile at home
Keeping up with a great oral hygiene routine at home is just as important as scheduling regular dental visits. Your dentist will recommend brushing for two minutes twice a day and flossing at least once a day. Adjusting your routine to address problem areas and visiting the dentist regularly can prevent you from needing serious dental work.
If it's been more than six months since you've seen a dentist, call us to make an appointment with Dr. Timothy Lethin in Anchorage, AK, at (907) 337-9474.