Though many people mistakenly believe that they should only make a dentist’s appointment when they feel something is wrong with their smile, visiting the dentist regularly is a crucial aspect of your oral health. Knowing what happens during these routine visits and why they are important to your teeth can help you commit to your oral health for good. Find out more about visiting your dentist and routine examinations and cleanings with Dr. Joel Levy with locations in Larchmont, NY, and New York City, NY.

Why are routine dental examinations important? 
Dental examinations are preventative in nature, meaning that they can stop tooth decay and gum disease in its tracks or, in some cases, prevent it from occurring at all. Tooth decay grows slowly, allowing your dentist the opportunity to catch and treat your dental conditions in their earliest stages.

Why do I need to get routine professional teeth cleanings if I brush and floss? 
While a strong at-home oral care routine is crucial to ensuring the health of your smile, even the best brusher and flosser may sometimes miss a hard-to-reach area of their mouth. In this case, bacteria begins to build up, turning into plaque and tartar, the first stages of tooth decay. A professional cleaning allows your dentist and their team to remove these substances from the teeth before they start eating through the tooth's outer layers to produce a cavity. Additionally, regular cleanings give you a clean slate, allowing you the peace of mind to know that your teeth are healthy and clean after your visit.

How often should I visit my dentist? 
The American Dental Association says that every dental patient of any age and dental condition should visit their dentist at least twice a year, or every six months. These bi-annual appointments involve a full dental examination and professional cleaning administered by a dental hygienist. Together with a strong at-home oral care routine, routine visits with your dentist every six months ensure the health of your smile for a lifetime.

Dental Examinations and Cleanings in Larchmont, NY, and New York City, NY
For more information on good oral hygiene habits or routine dental examinations and cleanings, please contact Dr. Joel Levy with locations in Larchmont, NY, and New York City, NY. Call (914) 834-9534 to schedule your appointment at the Larchmont office or (212) 986-2287 to schedule your appointment at the New York City office today!