How Often Should You Get Your Teeth Checked?

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How Often Should You Get Your Teeth Checked?
Posted on 09/02/2019
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At Doleski & Wolford Orthodontics, it is our goal to ensure the orthodontic health and dental hygiene of all of our patients in the Erie and Lawrence Park, PA area. We are proud to offer expert orthodontic care in a friendly environment to make your experience with our orthodontists a breeze. Even though you are seeing the orthodontist for your braces, Invisalign Teen or Invisalign, you still need to visit the dentist regularly as well. Many people assume that they don’t need to see a dentist unless they have a toothache or other specific pain, the truth is that seeing your dentist every six months is critical to maintaining good oral health. Along with consistent brushing and flossing, regular dental checkups are one of the best ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy and to stay on track for your orthodontic treatment plan. 


A Child’s First Dental Visit 

It’s important to set a positive dental foundation for your child early on in their life. Schedule your child’s first dental
appointment as soon as their first tooth erupts or by their first birthday, whichever occurs first. At your child’s first checkup, the dentist will check the progress of the emerging teeth, review proper brushing techniques, and answer any of your questions. Beyond the medical benefits of having your child visit the dentist, this first visit is also a great opportunity for your child to become comfortable with visiting the dentist, and later the orthodontist - a mentality that will benefit them for life! 

Visit The Dentist Every Six Months

Visiting your dentist on a regular basis is key for maintaining your dental health. Seeing the dentist for regular checkups is the best proven way to prevent gum disease and to decrease the risk of cavities, especially while wearing braces or Invisalign Teen. Our orthodontic team recommends seeing the dentist for a checkup and teeth cleaning every six months for all patients. This means children through adults, with or without braces or Invisalign, should be visiting the dentist twice a year, along with their other orthodontic appointments. 

Specific Dental Cases

While all patients should visit the dentist every six months, there are specific patients who may need to visit the dentist more often. Our orthodontists recommend that the following patients visit the dentist more often than twice a year:

  • If you are pregnant. Pregnancy hormones can cause gingivitis and other oral health problems.
  • If you smoke. Tobacco use is a risk factor for periodontitis and for oral cancer.
  • If you’re undergoing cancer treatment. Cancer treatment may cause oral health problems such as dry mouth and infection.
  • If you have diabetes. People with diabetes have a higher risk of gum disease, fungal infections, and other oral problems
  • If you have heart disease. Dental health is linked to heart health, and frequent dental cleanings may reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke.
  • If you’re in pain. If you have tooth or gum pain that doesn’t go away or gets worse, or if your gums are red, swollen or bleeding easily, make an appointment.

Call Your Local Erie, PA Orthodontist Today!

If you have questions about your dental or orthodontic health, contact Doleski & Wolford Orthodontics in Lawrence Park, PA today. Our orthodontists and staff can help you with regular oral hygiene, braces, Invisalign Teen, and Invisalign. With three offices in Erie, Lawrence Park, and Corry, PA, we are conveniently located for all of our patients. Call our team for your next visit! We look forward to seeing you soon!