How Often Should I See The Dentist?

Wondering how often you should see Dr. Troy Babb for preventive dentistry in Pineville? Find out now in this blog from Pineville Family Dentistry, and make sure you’re getting the care you need for a healthy mouth and a bright smile. 

It’s Best To See The Dentist Every Six Months To Keep Your Smile Healthy

For years, the ADA’s recommendation has been to see a dentist for an oral exam and teeth cleaning every six months, and that’s our recommendation at Pineville Family Dentistry, too. You should see Dr. Babb twice per year to have a comprehensive teeth cleaning and oral exam.

Regular teeth cleanings help remove plaque and tartar, keeping your smile bright and healthy. And with frequent oral exams from Dr. Babb, you can learn more about your oral health, catch potential issues like cavities and gum disease early, and get peace of mind, knowing that your smile is healthy.

In some cases, you may need to see Dr. Babb more frequently. If you have gum disease or a high risk of cavities, for example, 3 or 4-month intervals may be more appropriate. Dr. Babb will discuss this with you during your appointment if he believes you could benefit from more frequent visits to Pineville Family Dentistry.

How Can I Keep My Smile Healthy At Home?

If you only see the dentist once every six months, how can you make sure your smile stays healthy? Good question! Here are a few helpful tips to ensure you maintain your oral health between visits to Pineville Family Dentistry.

• Brush twice a day for two minutes – Brushing once in the morning and once at night is recommended. Use a fluoride toothpaste and brush the inside, outside, and top surfaces of your teeth thoroughly, for at least two minutes.
  
• Floss once a day and rinse with mouthwash – Flossing cleans away food particles that you simply can’t reach with brushing alone, so it’s essential for a healthy mouth. Make sure you floss once per day. In addition, following this up with an antiseptic mouthwash helps rinse away food particles, freshen your breath, and keep your mouth healthy.
  
• Eat a healthy diet – A diet that’s healthy for your body will also be healthy for your teeth. Don’t eat too many processed foods, snacks like candy and cookies, and sugary desserts. Chips, pretzels, and other starchy snacks are also bad for your teeth. Eat a diet full of fruits and vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, and healthy dairy like yogurt and milk.
  
• Eliminate sugary beverages – Along with a diet low in sugar, you should try to cut out sugary drinks like soda, energy drinks, and sports drinks. If you drink coffee or tea, reduce the amount of sugar you use, or consider using artificial sweeteners. The overconsumption of sugary drinks is a leading contributing factor to tooth decay and gum disease. 

Get An Appointment At Pineville Family Dentistry Today! 

If you’re overdue for a teeth cleaning and oral exam in Pineville, Kingsville, Camp Beauregard, or anywhere else in the area, Dr. Troy Babb is here to help. Get the care you need by giving us a call at (318) 704-5757, or contacting us online to schedule your appointment.