These six-month visits to the dentist are designed to preserve and protect your teeth.

You know you are supposed to visit your dentist for routine checkups but if your teeth and gums are looking great, or your schedule is already a bit hectic, you may be wondering whether you can get away with just skipping this dental checkup. If this sounds like you, our Larchmont, NY, and New York City, NY, dentist Dr. Joel Levy is here to tell you why ditching your routine dental cleanings and exams could spell bad news for your oral health.

What is the purpose behind these routine dental visits?

The main goal of these checkups is to examine the health of your teeth and gums and to provide them with the professional care they need to stay healthy. Sure, brushing and flossing are paramount to good oral health but nothing beats a professional checkup.

As you may have already been told, preventive dentistry is vital for everyone, from children to seniors. After all, isn’t it better to prevent issues from happening altogether? We think most people would agree.

These checkups allow us to provide a thorough cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, the culprits behind cavities and gum disease. Even the most skilled at-home brushers and flossers have some areas that are more difficult for them to clean. As a result, plaque gets left behind and quickly hardens into tartar. When this happens, tartar can’t be removed with a simple at-home toothbrush. You will need a skilled dental professional with the proper tools to effectively remove tartar buildup. If tartar isn’t removed, this is when cavities and gum disease set in.

Of course, while our goal is certainly to help you prevent decay and gum disease this isn’t the only reason you should visit the dentist. These checkups are important because they:

• Detect problems in their earliest stages when they are much easier to treat
• Check for early warning signs of oral cancer
• Determine whether wisdom teeth need to be removed
• Provide helpful tips and advice for good at-home dental care and proper technique

How often do I need a visit my Larchmont, NY, general dentist?

Healthy individuals, from children over 1-year-old to senior citizens, should visit their dentist every six months for cleanings and exams. Of course, those who are at an increased risk for cavities or other dental problems (e.g. smokers; those with compromised immune systems) may require dental checkups more regularly. It’s important to talk to your dentist about how often you should come in for routine dental care.

Do you need to schedule a six-month dental cleaning for you or your child? If so, then call our Larchmont, NY, and New York City, NY, family dental office today to get on the books. Maintaining good oral health doesn’t have to be challenging; we can help.