So what’s the key to taking good care of those pearly whites? Start with the common-sense stuff. Brush at least twice daily, and be sure to floss. Avoid sugary foods and steer toward fresh veggies. Avoid chewing on hard stuff that could crack your teeth. And if you play sports or grind your teeth at night, invest in (and be sure to wear) a good mouth guard.
If you’re diligent about all these preventive measures, you’re definitely on the right track. But even if you do practice all of these good habits, be sure not to neglect one very important task – visiting your family dentist regularly.
The American Dental Association recommends regular dental visits. But how often you receive oral health care is a decision your family dentist should make, based on your current dental status and your past history.
If you have certain risk factors, perhaps you might require more frequent visits. A recent study conducted by the University of Michigan School of Dentistry (and published in the June 10 issue of the Journal of Dental Research) took a look at the association between long-term tooth loss and frequency of dental check-ups in adults with and without three risk factors for periodontal disease: smoking, diabetes and interleukin-1 genetic variations.
Researchers concluded from the study that those with high-risk factors probably need more frequent dental visits. However, those who are low-risk may experience the same benefits even if they only have one cleaning per year.
What does this mean? That each person’s needs are different. That’s why it’s important for you to work with your family dentist to develop a personalized plan of care that will ensure optimal dental health. Together you can determine the need for and frequency of regular check-ups.
If you live in the Reynoldsburg or Columbus areas and are looking for a family dentist, our practice can provide a tailored plan of care just for you. We’re eager to tend to all of your dental care needs. Feel free to make an appointment today utilizing our no-hassle online appointment scheduling. We look forward to seeing you!