At Lake Baldwin Dental, we’re all about helping you maintain a healthy smile and minimize unnecessary expenses for dental care. Regular dental check-ups aren’t just about keeping your teeth clean—they’re a vital part of taking care of your health and treating issues as early as possible. Let’s dive into why visiting the dentist every six months is so important and what you can expect when you come in for an appointment.
The Importance of Bi-Annual Dental Check-Ups
Your teeth and gums are hard workers, handling everything from your morning coffee to your favorite meals. Over time, even the best home care routine can’t do it all. Plaque and tartar build up in places your toothbrush and even floss can’t reach, and early signs of oral health problems might go unnoticed without professional care.
Regular dental check-ups help prevent these issues. By catching problems early, we can treat them before they turn into something more serious—and more expensive. Plus, keeping up with your dental visits keeps your teeth strong, your gums healthy, and your smile looking great.
Should You See the Dentist More Than Twice Per Year?
It’s worth mentioning that getting a dental cleaning and check-up every six months is ideal for maintaining good oral health, many people actually need to see the dentist more often. You might benefit from getting your teeth cleaned every three or four months if:
- You have active gum disease or a history of periodontitis
- You tend to get cavities frequently
- You have systemic health issues like diabetes that can affect your oral health
- Your teeth become stained quickly between cleanings
- You just enjoy the feeling of a fresh, clean smile!
Now that you know why it’s important to work regular dental visits into your schedule, let’s look at what to expect while you’re here.
What Happens During a Dental Check-Up?
When you visit Lake Baldwin Dental, you can always expect personalized care from the moment you walk through the door. Here’s what a typical check-up in our Orlando, FL dental office looks like:
- A Warm Welcome
From the smiling faces behind our concierge desk to every dental assistant, hygienist, and of course Dr. Dunn and Dr. Nestle themselves, you can always expect a warm welcome with our team. If you haven’t visited us before, we’ll start by getting to know you and your oral health history. This helps us tailor your care and address any specific concerns. At your regular visits, we’ll start each visit by checking in and giving you a chance to fill us in on any oral health issues. Or just catch up on life! - Thorough Examination
Next, we’ll examine your teeth, gums, and mouth. We’ll look for signs of cavities, gum disease, and other potential issues. We also check for signs of oral cancer, a critical part of protecting your overall health. At regular check-ups, both your hygienist and Dr. Dunn or Dr. Nestle will perform a thorough examination, ensuring that we won’t miss a thing. - Dental Cleaning
Regular professional dental cleanings are the key to protecting your oral health long-term. Our team removes plaque and tartar buildup above and below the gums, polishes your teeth, and gives you that fresh, clean feeling you can’t get at home. - X-Rays (If Needed)
Depending on your needs, we may take X-rays to get a closer look at what’s happening below the surface. These images help us catch problems like tooth decay or bone loss that aren’t visible during the exam. We typically recommend routine x-rays once every year, although we may need additional images on occasion, especially if you’re struggling with tooth pain.We use digital imaging at Lake Baldwin Dental. This minimizes the radiation necessary while giving us detailed, precise images. In fact, at 0.2 µSv, routine dental x-rays use significantly less radiation than, for example, a cross-country flight, which exposes you to 40 µSv of radiation. These images are the only way to properly diagnose many issues and allow us to properly protect your health.
- Gum Measurements
We’ll create a complete chart of your gums at your first dental cleaning with our team. We’ll update this chart regularly to monitor your periodontal health and properly address any inflammation or gum health issues. When we measure your gums, we’ll make notes of any bleeding and how deep the unattached gum tissue is (2-3mm is ideal, 4mm reflects inflammation and 5+mm indicate a periodontal issue that needs treatment). - Oral Cancer Screenings
Part of every examination with our team is an oral cancer screening. As we examine your teeth and gums for cavities and gum disease, we’ll also thoroughly inspect your lips, cheeks, tongue, the floor and roof of your mouth, your tonsil area, and the back of your throat looking for any signs of oral cancer or unusual soft tissue lesions. We also use VelScope, a specialized oral cancer detection light that can show us changes in the shape of cells below the surface of your skin, allowing us to intervene as early as possible. - Personalized Care Plan
Before you leave, we’ll review your oral health and recommend any treatments or adjustments to your home care routine. Our goal is to make sure you leave with a smile and a plan to keep it healthy.
Why Preventive Dentistry Is Good for Your Health and Your Wallet
Prevent Problems Before They Start
One of the biggest benefits of regular check-ups is the ability to catch and treat problems early. A small cavity caught during your visit is quick and easy to fix. Left untreated, it could turn into a larger issue requiring more time, money, and discomfort to address.
The same goes for gum health. Early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) can often be reversed with proper care, but advanced gum disease can permanently damage the bone sockets surrounding your tooth roots, lead to tooth loss, and affect your overall health. Regular dental visits ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy and strong.
Save Money with Preventive Care
Skipping check-ups might seem like a way to save money, but it often leads to higher costs in the long run. Treating minor issues early is much more affordable than waiting until they require extensive care, like root canals, extractions, or dental implants.
At Lake Baldwin Dental, we focus on prevention to help you avoid costly dental emergencies. Investing in regular visits is one of the smartest ways to protect your budget—and your smile.
Protect Your Overall Health
Your mouth isn’t separate from the rest of your body—it’s all connected. Gum disease has been linked to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and even complications during pregnancy. By taking care of your teeth and gums, you’re also supporting your overall well-being.
Oral cancer screenings are another essential part of your check-up. Early detection can save lives, and our team is trained to spot any warning signs. Regular visits give us the chance to monitor your health and catch anything unusual before it becomes a serious problem.
Take the First Step Toward a Healthier Smile
At Lake Baldwin Dental, we’re passionate about helping our Orlando community achieve healthier, happier smiles. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are the foundation of great oral health, and we’re here to make your visits comfortable, convenient, and effective.
Don’t wait until there’s a problem! Schedule your next dental cleaning and check-up today. Call us or book online to take the first step toward a healthier smile and a brighter future so you can keep smiling, Orlando!
