How often do you visit the dentist? If you’re like the average American, you may feel tempted to skip these visits when you aren’t having trouble with your teeth. Yet most people need more dental visits than they think. Here’s when you need to go to the dentist, and what happens if you don’t.

Twice a Year (Or More)

If everything is going well with your teeth, you’ll need to visit the dentist every six months for dental cleanings and checkups. This appointment gives your dentist in Lexington, VA, the chance to check for problems before they get worse. The professional cleaning also helps you ensure no tartar or plaque is building up where your toothbrush can’t reach.

What happens if you miss this appointment? Small dental problems can grow into larger ones, costing more to fix. The lack of professional cleaning leaves you at risk for plaque, tartar, and cavities. Also, your dentist will be screening for potentially fatal conditions, such as oral cancer, at this appointment, so skipping is unwise.

When You Have Pain

Pain in your mouth is a sign of a problem. Don’t ignore it. If it doesn’t go away in a day or two, you need to call Lexington Smiles to talk to a dentist in Lexington, VA. Sometimes, pain is just an abrasion or something minor. Other times, it is a sign of a serious issue. The only way to know for sure is to get a professional checkup.

If you don’t go to the dentist when you have oral pain, the condition could progress. This puts you at risk for serious health risks in the case of infection or loss of a tooth in the case of an injury. Lexington Smiles will help you determine what treatment you need to protect your health.

For some patients, stress and dentistry go hand in hand. Some people are naturally uncomfortable when they’re at the dentist.

Going to the dentist in Lexington, VA, shouldn’t be an unpleasant experience. If you suffer from stress during your dental appointments, it’s important to work with a dentist who can help you through your upcoming procedures. At Lexington Smiles, we help patients manage stress to make their dental appointments more enjoyable. Below, we’ve listed some techniques you can use to make your dental appointments better all around.

1. Communicate With Your Dentist

Communicating with your dentist about your stress is an important first step. When you tell the dentist that you suffer from dental anxiety, the dentist can help you come up with a plan to make going to the dentist easier. Having a plan in place reduces stress and makes the experience better.

2. Come Prepared

Bring headphones and a device to listen to music, an audiobook, or a podcast. Having something to distract you during the dental appointment can make your appointment better.

If you have questions about your oral hygiene, write a list and bring your questions to your upcoming appointment. Having a list will help ensure that your visit to the dentist is productive.

3. Bring a Friend

Sometimes it helps to know that you have a friend waiting for you in the lobby. Bring a friend to wait for your appointment to be over. When it’s finished, you can go for coffee or a meal.

Need Stress-Free Dentistry in Lexington, VA? Call the Experts

If you suffer from dental anxiety, you may benefit from stress-free dentistry in Lexington, VA. Call today to make a dental appointment.