Routine Dental Care Port St. Lucie, FL
Routine dental care is essential to keeping the smile healthy. Consistently practicing good oral hygiene helps reduce the overall risk of disease. From home care to routine dental checkups to appointments with a specialist, routine dental care may vary over time.
To speak with a dentist to learn more about what your routine dental care should look like in Port St. Lucie call our office at (772) 242-4124.
The Importance of Routine Dental Care Important
Good oral health is crucial to good bodily health. Without routine dental care, the mouth becomes susceptible to decay and gum disease, which, in addition to tooth loss, may cause adverse effects elsewhere in the body.
Once underneath the gums, bacteria have access to the bloodstream. This gives them access to the rest of the body. Routine dental care substantially lowers the risk of this happening. Keeping the mouth and body healthy makes a balanced life possible.
“Keeping the mouth and body healthy makes a balanced life possible.”
Routine Dental Checkups
Checkups are usually recommended every six months. Patients should make the dental team aware of any dental concerns, fears, or anxieties they may have to ensure steps are taken to make the checkup as comfortable as possible. The dentist may need to be visited more frequently depending on the state of a patient's oral health.
During a checkup, a dental professional will clean and polish the teeth, and give home oral care recommendations. The dental professional will also check the mouth for decay and disease, possibly with the aid of dental X-rays. If someone is not a new patient, has not skipped any regular appointments, and has good oral health, they may not need to see the dentist during the appointment.
“Patients should make the dental team aware of any dental concerns, fears, or anxieties they may have to ensure steps are taken to make the checkup as comfortable as possible.”
At-home Oral Hygiene Care
To maintain good oral health between dental checkups, an at-home oral hygiene routine is essential. Here is a list of recommended steps this routine should include:
- Brushing twice a day with a dentist-recommended toothbrush
- Flossing once a day
- Using a fluoride mouthwash
This is not necessarily an exhaustive list, and the dentist may recommend additional steps depending on your oral health situation. If a patient is unsure about what oral hygiene products to use at home, they should ask our dental team for recommendations.
“To maintain good oral health between dental checkups an at-home oral hygiene routine is essential.”
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Professional Dental Care
Regular dental exams and cleanings are also essential to keeping teeth healthy. Dental insurance generally covers dental exams every six months at no out-of-pocket cost. At the dental exam, the dental professional will check the teeth and gums for signs of gum disease and tooth decay. They may also examine the tongue and other areas of the mouth for signs of other health issues, such as oral cancer.
The dentist will decide if any additional treatment is needed, such as fillings for cavities. Try to schedule these services as soon as possible to keep any issues from becoming worse. Ignoring a cavity or other problems could lead to a more serious procedure in the future, such as a root canal or tooth extraction.
“Regular dental exams and cleanings are also essential to keeping teeth healthy.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. Why is routine dental care important?
Q. What happens during a routine dental checkup?
Q. What should be included in an at home oral health routine?
Q. What happens during a routine dental checkup?
People Also Ask
Q. How often should someone have a dental checkup?
Q. How can a person's diet help with tooth decay?
Q. How do lifestyle choices affect dental health?
Q. How can a dentist handle cleaning around sensitive teeth?
FAQs
Q. How often should I go to the dentist?
A. See your dentist every six months for routine exams and cleanings. If you need special treatment, such as fillings, you may need additional appointments.
Q. How do I know if I have dental insurance?
A. Dental insurance is typically separate from regular health insurance. If you have insurance through your employer, check to see if dental insurance is included. If you are not sure, contact your HR department. If you have a health plan from the health insurance marketplace, it will not include dental insurance. You must pay for a separate dental plan.
Q. What is covered under my dental insurance?
A. Most dental insurance plans cover routine exams and cleanings, as well as X-rays. Services like fillings and extractions may be covered at a certain percentage. However, you may have to first meet your deductible. Contact your insurance plan to find out the specifics about your coverage.
Q. Can I use FSA or HSA funds to pay for dental care?
A. Yes, funds in a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) can often be used for dental care. Check your plan to make sure. Elective procedures, such as teeth whitening, may not be included.
Q. What are some early signs of dental problems?
A. It can sometimes be difficult to determine what is or is not a dental problem. However, there are a few telltale signs of dental issues that require professional attention. These include:
If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, get checked out right away to prevent more serious issues and infections.
Dental Terminology
Call Us Today
Our dental team is here to provide exceptional dental care that meets the needs of a variety of patients. To schedule a dental checkup or exam, patients may call our office to request an appointment. Request an appointment with our dentist at St Lucie Center for Cosmetic Dentistry by calling our office at 772-242-4124 today!
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
About our business and website security
- St Lucie Center for Cosmetic Dentistry was established in 1984.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: St. Lucie County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Port St. Lucie, River Park, White City, Fort Pierce, Fort Pierce South, St Lucie West, Tradition, Palm City, Jensen Beach, and Stuart
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