Finding a professional and friendly general dentist in Monsey, New York, is crucial for your dental and overall health. A general rule to follow is visiting your dentist at least twice a year, or every six months. Keep reading to learn why this can be beneficial.

TO KEEP YOUR TEETH AND MOUTH HEALTHY

Everyone wants to have healthy teeth, which is why visiting a general dentist is essential. Simply having a good oral care routine isn’t enough to keep your pearly whites happy and healthy. Dentists have the tools and products to provide a deeper cleaning that can prevent problems, such as gum disease.

TO CATCH EARLY SIGNS OF TOOTH DECAY

Another important reason you should be seeing a dentist twice a year is to catch any oral problems early. Your dentist will know the early signs of tooth decay and let you know how you can prevent any further issues from happening. Some of the signs of tooth decay that you might not know, but a general dentist will, are:

TOOTHACHE

People can get toothaches for many different reasons. Therefore, many people may overlook this symptom and assume the pain will go away on its own. Always visit a dentist if you have a toothache that lasts several days or interferes with your everyday life, as it could be an early sign of tooth decay.

HALITOSIS (BAD BREATH)

There are also many different factors for having bad breath. Unfortunately, this early tooth decay symptom often gets overlooked as well. Generally, improving your oral hygiene habits can help get rid of halitosis. However, if regular hygiene is not helping, it could be tooth decay!

DARK SPOTS ON YOUR TEETH

Dark spots on your teeth are one of the more common signs of tooth decay, but it’s also tricky because they can also just be stains. While you may not know the difference between a coffee stain and a spot from decay, a general dentist does.

TO LEARN A PROPER ORAL CARE ROUTINE

It’s quite common for people to think brushing your teeth twice a day is all you need to do for a happy and healthy smile; however, that’s far from the truth! By seeing a dentist twice a year, you’ll learn everything you need to have a proper oral care routine. Some things that will improve your oral hygiene include:

FLOSSING ONCE A DAY

You should never skip flossing! Brushing alone may miss about 40% of your tooth’s surface.  Generally, flossing before bed is a great way to remove any food or bacteria stuck between your teeth throughout the day.

USING MOUTHWASH

Rinsing with mouthwash will give you an even better oral care routine, as it helps reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth and on your tongue. It’s also great for helping to fight plaque, keeping your mouth clean and healthy.

CHANGING YOUR TOOTHBRUSH EVERY THREE MONTHS

You shouldn’t wait too long before changing your toothbrush. Over time, the bristles will begin to wear, and you won’t get as effective of a clean. Bacteria will also form in your toothbrush over time, so you’ll need to get a new one every so often. You should also change your toothbrush after you’ve been sick to–again–avoid bacteria.

FOR YOUR OVERALL HEALTH

Did you know that ignoring tooth issues can result in problems with your overall health? Multiple studies have shown that untreated oral bacteria and gum disease can lead to heart disease, diabetic complications, and respiratory infections. Make sure you’re visiting your dentist twice a year to avoid both oral and general health problems down the line!

FIND A GENERAL DENTIST IN MONSEY, NEW YORK

Knowing this information, you might be looking for the best dentist in your area. SmileBuilders specializes in both general and pediatric dentistry in Monsey, New York. Give us a call to learn more about our services and schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you and your family build a proper oral care routine!