Do you visit your dentist and dental hygienist every six months for your dental exam and teeth cleaning? If your answer is "yes", congratulations! With twice daily brushing and daily flossing, your twice yearly visits to your family dentist will help you maintain good oral health. If, however, you only visit your dentist when you experience pain or discomfort, you are missing out on your best health. Your regular dental cleaning and exam appointments are a crucial part of preventative dentistry. These twice yearly visits to your dental office in Fort Lauderdale are relatively quick, easy and cost-effective. Delaying your preventative dental care visits until a problem develops will likely result in longer time in the dental chair and more expense for restorative dental treatment.
When you visit your dentist on Commercial Blvd, Dr. Gerard Wasselle or Dr. Nancy Rotroff will review your medical health history with you and examine your gums and teeth. A complete set of digital dental x-rays helps your dentist assess your oral health. Depending on the findings of your oral exam, your dentist will devise a treatment plan to restore and maintain your oral health with continued, regular preventative care as well as any necessary restorative dentistry. Fortunately, you have selected the best dental office and can be assured any dental restoration will be expertly crafted to last for years.
Why do I need to visit my dentist every six months?
The American Dental Association recommends the frequency of your preventative dental care visits should be tailored by your dentist based on your current oral health status and health history. For most people, this interval is every six months; however, some people will need more frequent visits to maintain their best oral health. The benefits are many:
- Early diagnose and treatment of gum disease – Gingivitis, inflammation of your gingiva (gums), is the first stage of gum disease. Gingivitis is the only stage of gum disease that is reversible. As gum disease progresses the inflammation in the gums causes damage to the gums and connective tissue surrounding your teeth. The fact is that chronic (long term) inflammation anywhere in the body can be destructive. As gum disease progresses, it can lead not only to tooth loss but also to other serious health problems including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The signs and symptoms are hard to spot in the early days of gum disease; your regular visits to your dentist for check-ups and cleanings are key to early detection and treatment for your best oral health.
- Save both time and money. When you visit your dental hygienist as recommended, the buildup of tartar and calculus will be less and your visit will take less time. A paper published by Cigna shows that "adults who practice good preventive oral health care can save 31% in dental costs over 5 years. Likewise, adults who don't receive preventive care can expect a 43% increase to their annual dental costs over the same period of time." Detecting small issues (such as cavities) early, sometimes when you are not even aware that a problem is developing, allows your dentist to treat your dental issue with a less invasive, less expensive treatment.
- Dream Smile – Professional dental cleanings by your dental hygienist eliminates tartar buildup that regular brushing alone can not remove. A polishing paste removes stains for a bright, white dream smile.
- Your peace of mind – Your routine dental check-up with Dr. Nancy Rotroff or Dr. Gerard Wasselle will give you the peace of mind that your mouth is healthy.
- Optimize your dental insurance – Dental insurance companies have identified that regular preventative dentistry visits help reduce dental costs, and therefore, most dental insurance plans cover preventative dental care (your dental cleanings and oral exams) at no charge to you. Routine dental exam and cleaning appointments help you make the most of your coverage and protect your oral health.
How does my oral health affect my overall health?
Much research has shown an indisputable link between your oral health and your overall health. Poor oral health has been linked to cardiovascular disease, pneumonia, complications with pregnancy and diabetes among other health issues. The Mayo Clinic reports that untreated gum disease can lead not only to tooth loss but also serious health complications: "Chronic gingiva inflammation has been thought to be associated with some systemic diseases such as respiratory disease, diabetes, coronary artery disease, stroke and rheumatoid arthritis. Some research suggests that the bacteria responsible for periodontitis can enter your bloodstream through gum tissue, possibly affecting your heart, lungs and other parts of your body. "
Why see your dentist every six month? Because your regular six-month dental check-ups with the best dentist in south Florida are a crucial component of your health routine. Call Excellence in Dentistry at 954-928-1666 to schedule your appointment for dental exam and cleaning today. Nancy Rotroff, DDS, MAGD and Gerard Wasselle, DMD have over 60 years combined experience bringing the highest quality dental care to our patients in and around Fort Lauderdale, Lauderdale by the Sea, Oakland Park and Wilton Manors. Our office is conveniently located on Commercial Boulevard between Bayview and Federal Highway. We are in network for many insurance companies and accept only PPO dental insurance plans. If you are looking for a 5 star dentist near me, call today.
