Ever wonder how the American Dental Association and your dentist in Arlington came to the conclusion that dental checkups should be scheduled twice each year? Well, like many wonderful discoveries, it happened by accident.
More than half a century ago, dental examinations of people going into the military showed that Americans’ teeth were not in good shape. People simply did not know how to take proper care of their teeth. Furthermore, there weren’t any guidelines on how often to see a dentist. That’s when dentists and health organizations decided to set down the fundamentals of preventive dentistry.
They established that people of all ages should see the dentist twice yearly for dental cleanings and examinations. Knowing that tooth decay and gum disease were preventable, they figured that these regular visits would allow clinicians to recognize the early warning signs of these dental problems.
One Step Ahead of Dental Trouble
This happy accident has turned out to be quite a blessing for many people. By scheduling regular visits to the dentist, smiles and overall health are doing markedly better than they were 50 years ago.
But does everyone really need to see the dentist twice a year? The truthful answer to that question is, yes but…
For most people, scheduling regular dental checkups works even if you are vigilant about brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day. Unfortunately, most dental problems are not visible and don’t cause pain until they have advanced.
Included among these are:
- Cavities, which can lead to tooth infection
- Gum disease, which is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults in America
- Oral cancer, a disease that is highly curable when caught early
Caught early, all of these conditions and many more are very manageable by you and your dentist in Arlington.
There are a few people who can get away with seeing the dentist only once a year. If you’ve never had a cavity and show no signs of gum disease, then you may be one of these people.
On the other hand, there are also people who should see the dentist more often. People who are in a high-risk group for dental disease may need to see the dentist every three or four months. These include:
- People who smoke
- Pregnant women
- People who have diabetes
- Current gum disease patients
- People with a weakened immune system
- People that are prone to cavities
Preventive dentistry always works to your advantage. So if it’s time to see the dentist, call today to schedule a checkup.
About the Dentist
Dr. Douglas Baldwin is a general dentist providing comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages in and around Arlington. Your dentist is committed to offering personalized dental care suited to each patient’s individual needs. To learn more about his services, you are invited to contact the office at (817) 478-4300.