General Dentistry |3 min read

Why Do I Have To Visit The Dentist Every 6 Months?

Getting your 6-month cleaning appointment can be a hassle. Especially if you are extremely busy and the only time you can find time is during a holiday. Is it worth it to schedule out an appointment if all the dentist is going to do is clean them? I mean if you brush your teeth twice a day and can’t feel any pain in your mouth, you’re good, right?

Not exactly.

There is so much more that goes into a cleaning appointment than you may think. And there are specific tools that dentist use to clean your teeth.

So what do they do and why do they have to do it every six months?

Pencil sitting on panner

What happens at my 6-month cleaning?

Well, first you’re not just getting a cleaning. You’re also getting an exam. Your hygienist will check your teeth for any visible signs of tooth decay, cavities, or gum disease. Then they will likely take x-rays to determine any possibility of cavities between your teeth. X-rays are usually only done once a year.

After completing the initial exam with flying colors, your hygienist will move onto the cleaning process. But, before they polish or floss your teeth, they will use a scraper to get rid of any plaque that might be present. This process is also called scaling. Scaling is an essential step in the cleaning process. If you do not floss regularly or brush your teeth correctly, plaque can turn into tartar. Once it turns into tartar, it can begin to eat at the enamel of your teeth, and the dental office is the only one who can remove tartar. That is why it is important to floss between your teeth every day.

6 month cleaning apoinment tools

After the scaling process comes the polishing. Polishing is not just your typical daily cleaning. The toothpaste that dentists use has a gritty consistency to it to help get rid of extra tartar left behind. This process is safe to do twice a year but should not be done at home because it can wear away the enamel. Polishing is also what helps you leave the dental office with silky smooth teeth.

Then, of course, your flossing and rinsing to help get rid of anything left behind.

After your cleaning, the hygienist will bring in the dentist. The dentist will thoroughly check for any tooth decay, cavities, diabetes, anemia, and cancer which can all be present or start in the mouth.

So that doesn’t sound too bad, does it? Getting a 6-month cleaning appointment is very important because some things you cannot do at home.

Oral Cancer Screening

All of our dentists in the upstate of South Carolina offer a quick and easy oral cancer screening for all of our patients. Early detection is the most critical when it comes to oral cancer. Some of our offices even offer Oral ID. This is an important reminder to the public that when these cancers are detected and treated early, mortality and treatment-related health problems are reduced. Your oral health is connected to your overall well-being. We truly value our patients’ quality of life. In the end, preventative dentistry can result in less extensive – and less expensive – treatment for dental conditions for all ages. Schedule your appointment today!

Still nervous?

But if your nerves are still getting to you, you don’t need to worry. At ProGrin Dental, we offer a comfort menu to help you feel relaxed while you are at the dental office. So, you don’t have to feel like it’s a hassle to go to the dentist twice a year. You can feel like you are going to a spa.

Greenville – (864) 761-0123

Woodruff – (864) 476-3212

Riverside – (864) 877-2541

Simpsonville – (864) 228-9112

Boiling Springs – (864) 592-1647

North Greer – (864) 877-7239

 

 

One thought on “Why Do I Have To Visit The Dentist Every 6 Months?
  1. Avatar for ProGrin Dental
    Joy Carson

    I do need a cleaning , I thought I was on probation due to me missing a appointment . I really do need a cleaning asap. I f we can get me scheduled for one in the next few months will be great.

    Reply
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