How Often You Should Visit the Dentist

You may have heard that good oral hygiene is achieved through daily brushing and flossing, along with regular visits to your dentist for an exam and cleaning. Most experts, including the American Dental Association, agree that the frequency with which you should visit the dentist is twice a year.

While brushing and flossing are very effective methods for preventing plaque buildup, they are unfortunately not always enough. Going to the dentist twice a year ensures that any plaque that you may have missed is caught by a dental professional. When plaque starts to accumulate, it turns into tartar. Unfortunately, tartar is not removable by brushing and flossing. Tartar acts as a fortress for your plaque, and if it goes unchecked, tooth decay can begin to happen. When tooth decay occurs, then you are not far off from developing gum disease. Preventing this escalation from happening is a very important reason for the frequent trips to the dentist.

Another reason why you should go to the dentist twice a year is for the reason that your dentist is trained to spot other conditions. A good example of this is oral cancer. If oral cancer is caught early enough, treating it becomes easier. If oral cancer is allowed to spread, it can require surgeries to remove the affected portions of your face and neck. Oral cancer can also spread to other parts of the body if it is left untreated.

If it has been a while since you have last been to the dentist or if you are suffering from a dental emergency in Los Angeles, contact our office to schedule an appointment.

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