Spring cleaning is an annual ritual for millions of Americans. While you’re cleaning out that clutter and sprucing up those sideboards, why not take a moment to schedule an appointment with your dentist in Topeka? There’s no better way to care for your teeth and gums and nip potential problems in the bud than with biannual cleanings and exams.
Why Every Six Months Is the Rule of Thumb
Anything that’s worth owning requires regular maintenance. This is just as true of your oral health that it is of your automobile or your home. Left unattended, your teeth will develop a layer of plaque, a sticky, filmy, yellowish substance that’s swarming with cavity-causing bacteria.
Over time plaque turns into tartar, a hard substance that takes professional cleaning to remove. From there, it’s only a short step to cavities, toothaches, and gum disease. But the trouble doesn’t stop there. Recent research indicates that the bacteria behind tooth decay also play a major role in health conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, and even Alzheimer’s disease.
Dental science knows of no way to remove these microscopic invaders from your mouth for good and all. They’re an inevitable consequence of eating, even if you steer clear of sugars and simple starches.
Dentists have developed a number of effective ways to manage the problem however, such as brushing and flossing. Eating a healthy diet and steering clear of tobacco are important steps as well.
By themselves these precautions just aren’t enough, though. You also need professional cleanings to keep plaque and tartar under control. This is why having your teeth cleaned every six months is important, not just for your teeth and gums but for your overall well-being.
It Never Hurts to Have a Professional Take a Look
Another reason to see your dentist twice a year is to nip any potential health problems in the bud. We’re talking about more than plaque and cavities. Dental professionals are trained to spot warning signs of conditions such as acid reflux, sleep apnea, and certain forms of cancer. It’s easy to see why you would want to know about these concerns as soon as possible.
Do You Have Trouble Remembering Appointments? Use the Change of Seasons to Help Remind You
Life has a way of distracting us from important commitments. This is perfectly understandable. Each of us has plenty to occupy our minds from one moment to the next. One way to keep yourself from forgetting dental appointments is to schedule them during the change of seasons. For example, you could set your first visit to occur at the beginning of spring and the second to occur at the opening of autumn. This is a handy way to help you remember.
Spring is the perfect time of year for making everything clean and fresh. This year, why not add your pearly whites to the housekeeping list? There’s nothing like a bright, healthy smile to help you welcome the return of warm weather. May the rest of 2019 make all your wishes come true.
About the Author
Dr. Michael E. Michel has been caring for patients here in the Topeka area for almost 30 years. He earned his DDS degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry and is a member of the American Dental Society. You can reach his office online or by calling (785) 273-0801.