Routine dental care should be a part of everyone’s life for some critical reasons. Oral hygiene is not only about having good-looking teeth and gums. There are further implications that are directly connected to one’s overall physical health and well-being. This article was written to shed some light on those.
It is best to start with this fundamental question before trying to understand all the rest. Simply put, routine dental care refers to the visits one pays to their dentist ideally every six months. Also known as preventive care, it typically involves regular cleaning. It is also considered routine dental care when the dental professional performs a checkup to ensure everything is fine. In case of a problem, they will come up with a diagnosis and propose the appropriate treatment.
The pinpointed differences seem to vary from one source or expert to the other.
We may however state that routine dental care generally includes the aforementioned preventive exams, cleansings, and routine dental x-rays.
On the other hand, the term basic dental care may simply refer to the daily personal oral hygiene precautions every individual is supposed to take, to begin with. Along with that, the term is also used to describe some of the basic services provided at dental clinics. Dental filling, root canal treatment, scaling, and non-routine x-rays fall under this category.
Now let’s see why routine care matters.
Regular dentist visits can save you from a lot of potential trouble in the future. When your dental professional checks the state of your teeth and gums, they can see if everything is alright. In case they detect an issue such as a cavity or decay, they can perform an appropriate treatment right away. This is of paramount importance in order to avoid periodontal diseases and other serious side effects. Not to mention regular dental care is usually the only way to diagnose oral cancer.
Besides, some conditions such as teeth grinding (bruxism) may appear as symptoms of certain psychopathological issues. In such cases, your dentist may orient you to additional treatment in related services.
Bad breath is not an issue to be taken lightly. It can manifest itself as the symptom of more severe dental/buccal issues. Either way, it is certainly not a pleasant situation to experience, both for yourself and your entourage. Your dentist can prescribe you a new dental routine to alleviate the problem or treat it directly.
Why not? A good-looking smile is not a matter of vanity or luxury anymore. It is acknowledged as a powerful booster of self-confidence and thus psychological well-being. When regular dental cleaning does not suffice to obtain your dream smile, your dentist can propose and apply more advanced alternatives. The famous Hollywood Smile and other whitening/reshaping methods are now available to everyone.
Healthcare starts at home. This applies to oral hygiene as well. But to be able to take care of yourself, you must first know what to do. For instance, even your toothbrush or the way you are brushing your teeth may not be appropriate. Routine dental care services act thus also as some sort of guides. They help you learn and adopt the right techniques and habits.
What is considered routine dental care?
The process can be summarized as regular cleaning along with a checkup of the general oral health state. X-rays may be necessary in some cases. All in all, the motto is “go to the dentist regularly, ideally every six months”.
What is the difference between routine and basic dental care?
While routine dental care is usually limited to checkups and cleaning, basic care can comprise core treatments such as fillings and scaling.
How to keep your teeth healthy?
Along with regular visits to your dental health professional, there are a few “must-dos”. Brushing your teeth twice a day and possibly right after meals is non-negotiable. Consult with your dentist to choose the most suitable toothbrush for your individual needs. Gentle flossing is also another valuable preventive measure. Do also keep in mind that your lifestyle and diet play an important role here. A tobacco-free routine with limited sugar and acid intake is recommended.