How often should I be visiting the dentist?

Are brushing and flossing enough to keep your teeth and gums healthy? While these oral hygiene practices are important to oral health, they often miss plaque and tartar in hard to reach places. Plus, your OBX dentists provide other valuable services that optimize your oral--and systemic--health.

Go Every 6 Months

Drs. Markus P. Heyder of Atlantic Dentistry advise patients of all ages to come in for a routine dental exam and hygienic cleaning every 6 months. Some people who are prone to decay or have a history of gum disease may require more frequent check-ups.

The reasons for semi-annual exams are many. Regular dental care keeps teeth and gums free of bacteria-filled plaque and tartar--the main causes of cavities and gum disease. The Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta estimate that over 47 percent of American adults have some form of gum disease, an insidious condition which ultimately leads to tooth loss and links to serious problems such as heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes.

Additionally, routine dental care uncovers issues such as decay and oral cancer at their earliest stages before serious complications occur and expensive, complex treatments become necessary.

What Happens During a Dental Exam

Drs. Heyder work hard to ensure patient comfort during dental visits. They provide state of the art diagnostics and the most advanced treatment options available if they discover problems.

During a check-up the OBX dentist:

• visually inspects for decay
• performs a painless, quick oral cancer exam
• measures the depth of gum pockets, an indicator of periodontitis (gum disease)
• assesses how teeth bite together
• examines existing restorations such as fillings and crowns