Why Do I Need To Go To The Dentist Twice A Year?

Posted on October 24, 2016

You’ve probably heard the mantra since you were a kid that you need to go to the dentist twice a year. But have you ever stopped to ask why “twice a year” is the ideal number of times for someone to visit the dentist? The idea of going to the dentist every six months was created to help the average person keep up on their oral health. Within six months, the average person will create enough tartar (the hard, calcified substance that forms on teeth and helps them decay) in their mouth that it needs to be scraped off by a dentist. SF is a fast-paced city and we know that our patients often don’t have time to get to their dentist. But there are tremendously important reasons why you should schedule regular visits with your dentist and we wanted to outline them here in this quick blog post.

Dr. Skoulas bends over backwards to accommodate our patients’ busy lives and schedules. We offer lunchtime and after-work appointments and we will even see patients on Saturdays as well. Give us a call at (415) 757-0110 to set up a time that is convenient for you to come in for a consultation at our downtown SF offices.

Benefits of Visiting the Dentist Twice a Year

You may not realize it, but your oral health is a very good indicator of your overall health. We’ve listed below a few of the massive benefits to regularly seeing your dentist.

• SF patients who see their dentists twice a year will be able to address the early signs of tooth decay. Tooth decay and gum disease can lead to life-threatening illnesses later on like heart disease so catching it as soon as possible could save your life.
• Once it starts, oral cancer is one of the fastest-spreading cancers. But like many types of cancer, if you catch it early it can be treated and stopped. When you come to Dr. Skoulas for regular check-ups, she will perform a cancer screening on your tongue, throat, neck, and cheeks to spot an initial warning signs.
• Gum disease can cause your gums to become infected and to recede which exposes the root of your tooth to decay and cavities. But some types of gum problems can even be reversed if you catch them early enough. The only way to do that is through scheduling regular visits with your dentist.

SF Patients Ask: What Happens During Dental Cleanings?

One question we often get asked is what Dr. Skoulas does during regular dental visits. Here’s a quick breakdown of some of the things she’ll do when you come into our downtown SF offices for a regular checkup and cleaning.

• Cavity check – The first thing your dentist will do is check for any visible signs of cavities. They’ll also look to see if there is any tartar or plaque buildup.
• Gum check – Your dentist will also check the gap between your teeth and gums. If your gums are healthy, the gap will be small.
• Scraping – From there, your dentist will scrape off any of the tartar or plaque that they found during the initial inspection. This is also called “scaling.” Tartar is so hard that it can’t be removed with flossing or brushing.
• Polishing – After your dentist has scraped off the tartar they will polish your teeth using a gritty paste. This helps smooth out your teeth and remove any small flecks of tartar and stains.

If you haven’t seen your dentist in awhile, give Dr. Skoulas a call today and set up an appointment at our convenient downtown San Francisco offices. We know it can be hard to schedule a visit with your dentist. SF patients who come to our modern and comfortable offices can enjoy Netflix while we work on your teeth. Call us today at (415) 757-0110 to get started.