Your teeth are some of the most important parts of your body- not only do they directly affect the way you eat, but they are also one of the first things people notice about you. Making your dental health a priority is essential for maintaining the appearance and functionality of your teeth for health benefits that will last you a lifetime. In addition to good oral hygiene practices such as daily brushing and flossing, one of the best ways to ensure good dental health is to make regular appointments for dental checkups twice per year. It is also important to visit your dentist as soon as you suspect you may have a problem with one or more teeth. Here are some guidelines for when to see a dentist in order to keep your teeth healthy for years to come.

Semi-Annual Preventative Checkups

The American Dental Association recommends that children and adults visit their general dentistry practice for checkups and dental cleanings twice per year, or every six months. This is essential not only for performing a deep cleaning to eliminate plaque and tartar buildup but also to detect potential issues early before they become painful or problematic. Your preventative dental appointment also includes bitewing X-rays once per year, so your dentist can pinpoint any issues such as cavities and address them immediately. Most dental insurance plans cover semi-annual dental checkups and cleanings in full, making it easy and affordable to keep your smile healthy.

Toothache Pain

If you wake up one morning with a throbbing, aching tooth, it’s a good idea to make an appointment to see your dentist right away. While it could be something as simple as a cavity that requires a dental filling, you may need something more extensive, like a root canal or an extraction, depending on what’s going on. The only way to know for sure, not to mention to stop your toothache at its source, is to visit your dentist.

Bleeding Gums

If you have been noticing a little pink on your toothbrush each morning, or if flossing causes your gums to bleed for long periods of time, you should contact your general dentistry practice to schedule an appointment. While this could simply indicate that you need to step up your oral hygiene game, it could also be an indicator of something more serious, such as periodontitis, AKA gum disease. Only a visit to your dentist will let you know for sure, so you can begin treatment and get your smile back to healthy again.

Contact Jim D. Spurgeon DDS for General Dentistry in Norman

Norman residents- now is the time to schedule an appointment with your dentist! Jim D. Spurgeon, DDS, is currently accepting new patients to his Norman, OK general dentistry practice. Dr. Spurgeon has years of experience helping patients achieve and maintain healthy smiles that will last a lifetime. To avoid unnecessary pain and expense down the road, the time to visit your general dentistry practice is now! Contact Jim D. Spurgeon, DDS and his team of friendly professionals at Smile Solutions at 405-310-7273 today to schedule your appointment.