The Importance of Routine Dental Care
The lifelong practice of good oral hygiene can also reduce the chances of tooth loss. Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults. Just a few minutes of routine oral care every day can help prevent gum disease and keep teeth healthy and strong.
Problems in the mouth can affect the health of other areas in the body. The mouth is full of bacteria. Most of these bacteria are harmless, but some can cause disease. Good dental hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing regularly, can keep these bacteria under control. Without proper dental care, however, these bacteria can cause infections, which allow them to enter the bloodstream and cause damage to other parts of the body.
“Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults.”
Routine Dental Checkups
Checkups are usually recommended every six months. Patients should make the dental team aware of any dental concerns, fears, or anxieties they may have to ensure steps are taken to make the checkup as comfortable as possible. The dentist may need to be visited more frequently depending on the state of a patient's oral health.
During a checkup, a dental professional will clean and polish the teeth, and give home oral care recommendations. The dental professional will also check the mouth for decay and disease, possibly with the aid of dental X-rays. If someone is not a new patient, has not skipped any regular appointments, and has good oral health, they may not need to see the dentist during the appointment.
“Patients should make the dental team aware of any dental concerns, fears, or anxieties they may have to ensure steps are taken to make the checkup as comfortable as possible.”
At-home Oral Hygiene Care
To maintain good oral health between dental checkups, an at-home oral hygiene routine is essential. Here is a list of recommended steps this routine should include:
- Brushing twice a day with a dentist-recommended toothbrush
- Flossing once a day
- Using a fluoride mouthwash
This is not necessarily an exhaustive list, and the dentist may recommend additional steps depending on your oral health situation. If a patient is unsure about what oral hygiene products to use at home, they should ask our dental team for recommendations.
“To maintain good oral health between dental checkups an at-home oral hygiene routine is essential.”
Professional Dental Care
Regular dental exams and cleanings are also essential to keeping teeth healthy. Dental insurance generally covers dental exams every six months at no out-of-pocket cost. At the dental exam, the dental professional will check the teeth and gums for signs of gum disease and tooth decay. They may also examine the tongue and other areas of the mouth for signs of other health issues, such as oral cancer.
The dentist will decide if any additional treatment is needed, such as fillings for cavities. Try to schedule these services as soon as possible to keep any issues from becoming worse. Ignoring a cavity or other problems could lead to a more serious procedure in the future, such as a root canal or tooth extraction.
“Regular dental exams and cleanings are also essential to keeping teeth healthy.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What happens during a routine dental checkup?
Q. What should be included in an at home oral health routine?
Q. Why is dental care so important?
Q. What happens during a routine dental checkup?
People Also Ask
Q. Why does the dentist use fluoride mouthwash in the cleaning?
Q. How do lifestyle choices affect dental health?
Q. What is restorative dentistry?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.How often should I go to the dentist?
A.See your dentist every six months for routine exams and cleanings. If you need special treatment, such as fillings, you may need additional appointments.
Q.How do I know if I have dental insurance?
A.Dental insurance is typically separate from regular health insurance. If you have insurance through your employer, check to see if dental insurance is included. If you are not sure, contact your HR department. If you have a health plan from the health insurance marketplace, it will not include dental insurance. You must pay for a separate dental plan.
Q.What is covered under my dental insurance?
A.Most dental insurance plans cover routine exams and cleanings, as well as X-rays. Services like fillings and extractions may be covered at a certain percentage. However, you may have to first meet your deductible. Contact your insurance plan to find out the specifics about your coverage.
Q.Can I use FSA or HSA funds to pay for dental care?
A.Yes, funds in a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) can often be used for dental care. Check your plan to make sure. Elective procedures, such as teeth whitening, may not be included.
Q.What are some early signs of dental problems?
A.It can sometimes be difficult to determine what is or is not a dental problem. However, there are a few telltale signs of dental issues that require professional attention. These include:
- Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
- Bleeding gums
- Broken teeth
- Dry mouth
- Jaw pain
- Mouth sores
- Redness
- Swollen face or gums
- Tooth sensitivity
If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, get checked out right away to prevent more serious issues and infections.
Quality Dental Services Can Transform Your Smile
By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.
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Dental Terminology
- Cosmetic Dentistry
- Cosmetic dentistry is generally used to refer to any dental work that improves the appearance (though not necessarily the function) of a person's teeth, gums and/or bite.
- Decay
- Tooth decay is when the enamel of the tooth begins to decay and cause erosion from plaque and tartar on the teeth.
- Dental Caries
- Dental caries are also known as cavities and result from a lack of proper oral hygiene leaving plaque that forms tiny holes in the teeth.
- Dental Checkup
- A dental checkup is an appointment that involves cleaning the teeth, identifying any signs of infection and removing said signs of infection at least once every six months in the office.
- Dental Filling
- A dental filling involves restoring the structure of the tooth by using metal, alloy, porcelain or plastic to fill the tooth.
- Dental Prophylaxis
- A dental prophylaxis is a professional and detailed cleaning that involves the removal of plaque, calculus and stains from the teeth.
- Dental Sealants
- Dental sealants contain a resinous material that we apply to the chewing surfaces of the posterior teeth to prevent dental caries.
- Dentist
- A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.
- Gingivitis
- Gingivitis is the inflammation of gum tissue that results from plaque, other infections in the mouth and poor oral hygiene.
- Preventive Dentistry
- Preventive dentistry is the dentistry that focuses on maintaining oral health in order to prevent the spread of plaque, the formation of tartar and infections in the mouth.
- Tartar
- Tartar forms when plaque builds up on the surface of the teeth and calcifies into a hard surface that is much more difficult to remove and will require professional treatment.
- Tooth Enamel
- Tooth enamel is the protective visible outer surface of a tooth that contains the dentin and dental pulp.
Call Us Today
Our dental team is here to provide exceptional dental care that meets the needs of a variety of patients. To schedule a dental checkup or exam, patients may call our office to request an appointment. Request an appointment with our dentist at Vatan Dental Group by calling our office at (310) 906-1300 today!
Request AppointmentHelpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD's Oral Care Guide. 2025
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