Discover the Importance of Regular Dental Checkups
Regular visits to examine and clean your teeth at Valley Hills Dentistry help us spot dental problems at their earliest, most treatable stages.
How Often Do I Need to Visit?
- For most patients, we recommend dental cleanings and exams every six months.
- If you’re at low risk of cavities or gum disease, one visit a year may be enough.
- If you have any of the following high-risk factors for dental disease, you may need to visit every three or four months or more:
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Gum disease
- Low immunity to bacterial infection
- A history of cavities or plaque buildup
- Periodontal disease
Why Are Regular Dental Cleanings So Important?
During a dental cleaning, we remove plaque and tartar that you can’t reach through brushing and flossing alone. This helps prevent infections and reduces the risk of developing diseases and other medical complications.
Gingivitis
When plaque and tartar build up on your teeth, bacteria can develop into gingivitis, a serious infection of the gum tissue.
Periodontal Disease
Untreated gingivitis can develop into periodontal disease, an irreversible condition that damages the jawbone that holds teeth in place. Symptoms include:
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Tooth loss
- Inflamed, painful gums that recede over time.
Other Serious Health Issues
Research indicates that inflammation from the gums and jaw can spread through the bloodstream, contributing to serious health conditions, including:
- Oral cancer
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Hardening of the arteries
- Blood clots
- Dementia
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Pneumonia
- Fertility problems
- Halitosis (bad breath)
- Sinus infections
Schedule Your Checkup Now to Prevent Problems Later
Schedule an appointment at Valley Hills Dentistry in Hickory, NC, to set up the regular dental visits you need to protect your smile and health well into the future.