You should visit your dentist for a dental checkup and cleaningevery six months, which will help ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy. Regularly scheduling dental check-ups every six months will allow your dentist in Greenville to identify problems early before they escalate further.
If you have a history of problems such as gum disease or multiple cavities, your dentist may ask you to see them more often.
What is Dental Checkup?
A dental check-up is a routine exam in which a dentist checks your mouth to ensure that everything looks healthy inside your mouth. They will evaluate the health of your:
- Teeth
- Gums
- Tongue
- Jaw
Your dentist will take X-rays to see if you have any issues hidden under the surface of your mouth, such as cavities. A dental check-up will help identify issues before they become painful or expensive to manage.
What is Dental Cleaning?
A dental cleaning entails the dentist or hygienist performing a proper cleaning of your teeth. Even if you brush and floss daily, some buildup will still take place on your teeth. During the dental cleaning:
- Dental professionals would remove the buildup of plaque and tartar (that hard, sticky stuff that accumulates on your teeth).
- They will polish your teeth so that they feel smooth and clean afterward.
- You may also have the option of accepting a fluoride treatment to protect your teeth from cavities.
Having a dental cleaning in Greenville allows you to keep your smile clean, bright, and healthy!
How Often Should You Go?
For Most People:
- Go to the dentist every 6 months.
Some people may need to go more often, such as:
- If you smoke
- If you have diabetes
- If you are pregnant
- If you have had gum disease or multiple cavities
In these cases, your dentist may have you seek them out every 3-4 months.
For Kids:
- Children should start going to the dentist by their first birthday.
- Every 6 months provides a foundation of healthy, strong teeth as they grow up.
What Happens If You Skip It?
If you don’t seek out your dentist, some small issues can turn into bigger problems, including:
- Cavities
- Gum disease
- Tooth pain
- Expensive treatment down the road
Going to the dentist is somewhat similar to having your car serviced; the preventative appointments reduce the likelihood of needing repair later.
What’s the Difference Between a Dental Checkup and Cleaning?
| What It Is | Dental Checkup | Dental Cleaning |
| Who Does It | Dentist | Hygienist |
| What It Does | Checks for problems | Cleans teeth and removes tartar |
| How Often? | Every 6 months | Every 6 months (or more if needed) |
| Does It Hurt? | Usually no | Might feel a little weird, but okay |
Signs You May Need a Dental Visit Sooner
| Sign or Symptom | What It Could Mean |
| Bleeding gums | Early gum disease (gingivitis) |
| Tooth pain or sensitivity | Cavity or cracked tooth |
| Bad breath (that won’t go away) | Plaque buildup or gum infection |
| Loose teeth | Gum disease or bone loss |
| Swollen gums or jaw | Infection that needs fast care |
If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait—book a dental visit right away.
Why Are Dental Appointments Important?
Dental checkups/cleanings every 6 months can help you:
- Avoid cavities
- Keep your gums healthy
- Eliminate bad breath
- Avoid large expenses for more complicated dental work
- Catch small problems before they become large problems
Additionally, clean teeth feel nice!
Should I Go to Any Dental Office Near Me?
Yes, just make sure the dental office near you is friendly, has a good team, and makes you feel comfortable. Reading reviews or asking your friends may help you choose a friendly dental office.
Bottom Line
Make sure you get your teeth checked and cleaned at least twice per year. Don’t wait until something hurts; it’s less expensive (and easier) to maintain your teeth than to fix the problem later.
We’re Here To Help You Smile!
At Lemon Tree Dental, we believe everyone deserves relaxed, gentle dental care. Our friendly team works very hard to ensure that every visit is simple and comfortable. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, we try to treat all of our patients like family. Using the latest technology, we focus on prevention so that patients can enjoy a lifelong healthy smile. If you’d like to see why we are one of the highest-rated dental offices in Greenville, come see us!
Book your appointment today!