When life gets busy, scheduling a dental appointment can easily fall to the bottom of your to-do list, especially when your teeth feel perfectly fine. But regular dental checkups aren’t only about treating a toothache or fixing a cavity. They play an important role in preventing problems and keeping your teeth and gums healthy.

So, how often should you actually visit the dentist?

For many patients, scheduling a dental checkup about every six months is a good starting point. However, your ideal schedule can depend on your oral health, dental history and individual needs.

If you’re looking for a dentist in La Vista, Nebraska, here’s what you should know about keeping up with routine dental care.

Why Are Regular Dental Checkups Important?

Even if you brush and floss every day, there are areas of your mouth that can be difficult to clean thoroughly at home. Over time, plaque and tartar can build up and contribute to cavities and gum disease.

Routine dental appointments give your dental team an opportunity to clean your teeth and look for changes in your oral health.

Regular checkups may help identify concerns such as:

• Tooth decay and cavities
• Gum inflammation or gum disease
• Cracked, chipped or damaged teeth
• Worn or failing dental restorations
• Changes in your bite
• Other changes affecting your teeth, gums or mouth

Finding a problem early can often mean addressing it before it becomes more extensive or uncomfortable.

Is Going to the Dentist Every Six Months Necessary?

For many people, visiting the dentist approximately twice a year works well for maintaining their oral health. However, dental care isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Some patients may benefit from more frequent visits, particularly if they have a history of gum disease, frequent cavities or other oral health concerns. Others may have different needs based on their current dental health.

Your dentist can recommend an appointment schedule based on what’s right for your smile.

What Happens During a Routine Dental Checkup?

A routine dental visit is about much more than polishing your teeth.

At Nebraska Dental Center, a new patient appointment may include X-rays or photos as needed, followed by a professional cleaning, polishing and flossing. Your dental team will also evaluate your gum health and look for areas that may need additional attention.

Depending on your needs, preventive treatments such as fluoride or dental sealants may also be recommended.

Regular dental visits are also an opportunity to ask questions. Whether you’ve noticed sensitivity, have concerns about your gums or want to improve your smile, bringing those questions to your appointment can help you better understand your options.

Signs You Shouldn’t Wait Until Your Next Checkup

Routine appointments are important, but you don’t need to wait for your next scheduled cleaning if something doesn’t feel right.

Consider contacting your dentist if you experience:

• Persistent tooth pain
• Swelling in your gums or face
• Bleeding or tender gums
• Increased tooth sensitivity
• A chipped, cracked or broken tooth
• A loose permanent tooth
• A dental restoration that feels loose or damaged
• Pain or discomfort when chewing

Sudden or significant dental symptoms may require more immediate attention. Nebraska Dental Center also provides emergency dental care for patients who need prompt treatment.

What Can You Do Between Dental Visits?

Your daily habits have a major impact on your oral health. A good at-home routine can help protect your teeth and gums between professional cleanings.

Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth daily with floss or another interdental cleaner. Limiting frequent sugary foods and drinks can also help reduce your risk of tooth decay.

And don’t ignore changes in your mouth simply because they seem minor. If something feels different or continues for more than a few days, contacting your dental team can help determine whether it needs attention.

Looking for a Dentist in La Vista, NE?

Staying consistent with preventive dental care is one of the simplest ways to protect your smile. Regular visits give your dental team the opportunity to monitor your oral health, professionally clean your teeth and address concerns before they become bigger problems.

Nebraska Dental Center provides preventive, restorative and cosmetic dental care for individuals and families in La Vista, Papillion, Omaha and surrounding Nebraska communities.

If it’s been a while since your last dental checkup, there’s no better time to get back on track.

Schedule an appointment online with Nebraska Dental Center today and take the next step toward a healthier smile.

Teeth Whitening at Nebraska Dental Center

When it comes to getting a brighter smile, you can whiten your teeth at home or get a professional treatment. At home whitening typically includes over-the-counter products like whitening strips, pens, or toothpaste. Professional whitening includes custom-made whitening trays you take home or an in-office appointment. So what’s the best teeth whitening option for you?

Both options use peroxide bleaching agents as the main active ingredient. The difference between each option is the amount of peroxide it contains. Over-the-counter solutions use 3 – 20 percent where professional solutions contain 14 – 43 percent. Solutions with higher amounts of peroxide should be left on for a shorter amount of time. Keeping the solution on longer will dehydrate your teeth and make them more prone to sensitivity.

Professional Whitening

Professional teeth whitening options are much safer and more effective. Additionally, it ensures that all of the proper precautions are taken. So, when it comes to protecting your gums, the whitening agent only gets on your teeth.

At-Home Whitening Products

Over-the-counter products are cheaper, generally take longer to see results, and have limitations depending on your tooth color and health prior. If used incorrectly, at-home teeth whitening kits can lead to burned gums or tooth sensitivity. Always talk with your dentist to decide the best treatment option for you.

If you choose to go for an over-the-counter solution, we recommend that you use one from the list of bleaching products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

From Nebraska Dental Center

It’s been over a year since the COVID-19 pandemic changed almost every aspect of our daily lives—including regularly visiting the dentist. However, this should soon be a thing of the past. Not visiting the dentist was one of the many ripple-effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and even though it is not over, yet, things are looking up.

According to the ADA Health Policy Institute, confidence in going back to the dentist hit a new high since the pandemic started, with 94% of patients stating they are ready to go back to the dentist or they have already gone back to see the dentist, compared to August of 2020 where only 78% of patients had been back or were ready to go back to the dentist.

If you’re ready for your next dental checkup, contact Nebraska Dental Center today to setup an appointment!

Continued Safety Protocols

As more and more people become fully vaccinated, the CDC has started to provide less-restrictive guidelines for these people. However, most recommended precautions, such as using personal protective equipment, have not changed for health care settings, including dental offices.

Even though we are seeing COVID-19 case numbers trending down, we still ask that you follow our guidelines for your safety and the safety of others, including:

• Do not come to the office if you have any symptoms of COVID-19
• Limit the number of people you bring to your appointment, if possible
• Wear a mask until notified that you can remove it

Per the CDC, we are regularly consulting with our state and local health departments for region-specific information and recommendations, as they monitor trends in local case counts and adjust accordingly.

We understand that you may not feel comfortable quite yet, or you have questions about the protocols we’ve implemented in our office to keep patients safe. You can review our entire list of COVID-19 Safety Protocols or you can contact us in La Vista, NE and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.