3 Things to Know About Your Oral Health

Do you make sure to visit your dentist at least twice a year to check on your oral health? Learn why dental visits are so important.

3 Things to Know About Your Oral Health

17 May 2019
 Categories: Dentist, Blog


When it comes to the health of your teeth and gums, you probably feel like you have a good handle on things. Brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash are all that matters, right? While good daily oral hygiene is key, there's more to taking care of your teeth than that. Regular visits to the dentist are a must as are being aware of things that can impact your teeth and gums outside of your daily oral hygiene. Here are three things that you should be aware of when it comes to your oral health.

How Often to Visit the Dentist

Of course, a key part of maintaining your oral health is going to the dentist for regular checkups and teeth cleaning. How often you go, however, is dependent on various factors. Your overall oral health and whether or not you are prone to dental decay have an impact on how often you need to visit. Most people require dental cleanings and checkups every six months. However, those who are not prone to decay can typically go in once a year while others who are prone to dental decay may need to go in more than the recommended twice per year. 

Certain Medical Conditions Can Have an Impact

When it comes to your overall dental health, there are a few conditions that can have an impact. Conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, lung conditions, and even rheumatoid arthritis all can have links to your oral health. For example, up to 91 percent of those with heart disease also have periodontitis. Diabetes can also be linked to a variety of oral health issues. It's important to talk with your dentist about any of these health conditions in order to determine if they are having an impact on your oral health.

Costs Can Vary

When it comes to general dentistry, preventative care is the goal. Taking care of buildup and plaque before it leads to serious damage is a must and this is where dental cleanings come in. Costs of these cleanings can vary depending on whether or not you have dental insurance. Without dental insurance, the average teeth cleaning ranges in price between $75 and $200. Filling a cavity will typically cost between $90 and $250. Typically insurance will cover most or all of the cost of preventative care and some of the costs of repairing the damage from dental decay.

When it comes to your oral health, there are a few things that you should be aware of. To learn more about taking care of your teeth, contact a local general dentistry clinic.