You know when your child needs to see the dentist, but did you know that adults should go to the dentist as well? It’s true! Your teeth aren’t going to take care of themselves, and when you see that they’re a little worse for wear, make an appointment with your local dentist right away! Even if you think everything is fine, it can never hurt to get an expert opinion on the matter. Here are some signs that it’s time to make an appointment with your dentist!
To understand how often we need to visit the dentist, let’s first talk about plaque.
Plaque is that icky, sticky build-up on your teeth. It’s made up of germs and bits of food debris left behind after eating. The longer plaque sits on your teeth, the more it hardens into tartar, making it even more difficult to remove. Tartar can lead to gum disease and cavities if not removed regularly. That’s why we recommend seeing a dentist every six months for cleanings. However, if your dentist tells you that you have serious dental problems or something seems off in between cleanings—you should get back in as soon as possible! You could also visit us at an urgent care near me if an emergency arises after business hours!
The Causes of Tooth Decay
The bacteria that live in your mouth digest food and produce acid as a byproduct. The more often your teeth are exposed to foods containing sugar, starches, or carbohydrates, and sugars from drinks, the more often your teeth will be attacked by these bacteria. This can cause tooth decay; if left untreated it can spread deep into tooth structure, eventually reaching nerve endings and causing extreme pain. One of the best ways to protect yourself against tooth decay is by seeing an adult dentist regularly. An adult dentist near me will examine your teeth for cavities and help prevent future dental health problems before they start. A dentist will also work with you on flossing habits that reduce further damage to your smile!
The Effects of Tooth Decay
Tooth decay or caries is caused by acid from food and drink that we consume. The process begins when sugar in our food reacts with bacteria naturally present in our mouth. This reaction leads to tooth decay over time. As soon as tooth decay is allowed to continue, it will cause cavities, also known as pits on your teeth. To prevent further damage, you should visit an adult dentist near me at least twice a year for professional teeth cleanings and checkups. When there are signs of trouble with your oral health, it’s important to schedule an appointment right away so that any early-stage dental problems can be identified and treated as soon as possible. That way they won’t escalate into something more serious later on down the road.
What can I do if I have sensitive teeth?
Sensitive teeth are typically an indication of recession, which happens as your teeth are exposed to forces like biting, chewing and grinding. To reduce discomfort from sensitive teeth, avoid harsh cleaning products and try using desensitizing toothpaste instead. To prevent further recession, be sure to schedule regular cleanings with your dentist. Sensitive teeth may also be a sign of decay or gum disease; if your dentist diagnoses such a problem during a cleaning, he or she can suggest ways to address it while avoiding dentures. Looking for an adult dentist near me? Look no further than here! Dr. David Love is one of only two adult dentists in Indianapolis!
When Should I See a Dentist Again?
When we’re younger, our dentist appointments are pretty regimented: by age 3, children should have an initial visit; then they’re seen every year until they turn 18. But once we reach adulthood, things change. Some people continue with their regular checkups while others don’t see a dentist for up to 15 years! The question is: How often should adults go to the dentist? It’s certainly not as frequent as it was growing up—but there are still some clear guidelines. For example, if you haven’t seen your dentist in 6 months or more (including any hygienists), that’s probably too long and also a sign that you need to prioritize seeing them soon.
