Many people believe they don't need to see the dentist until a problem has developed. However, dental care is about preventing issues from occurring in the first place. 

Dr. Amy Wenninghoff and our team want our patients to enjoy the comfort and confidence of a healthy, problem-free smile. Unfortunately, without routine exams and teeth cleanings, you are at increased risk for cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues that you could have avoided with proper preventive care.

We generally recommend two preventive dental visits per year scheduled about six months apart; however, Dr. Amy will tailor your schedule for your unique dental needs. Some patients require more frequent appointments, while others will require fewer. 

Why Do I Need Professional Teeth Cleanings?

You practice great oral hygiene at home, so you may feel like you don't need professional teeth cleanings twice a year. The fact is that even with the most conscientious at-home brushing and flossing habits, you can't reach all tooth surfaces between teeth and below the gums. 

The dental plaque you don't remove with brushing and flossing hardens into a substance called tartar or calculus. Tartar clings persistently to teeth, and only a dentist or hygienist can remove it using specialized dental instruments.

How Often Do I Need Dental Checkups?

In addition to teeth cleanings, Dr. Amy also recommends dental exams twice a year to monitor your oral health. If she detects a potential issue, she can treat it promptly, so it doesn't worsen. As a result, you protect your oral health and keep your family's dental costs to a minimum.

Routine checkups are important for all ages. We need to monitor a child's rapid dental development and ensure their teeth stay healthy. Adults' oral health needs also change throughout their lives.

We can help you maintain healthy, well-functioning smiles and minimize the need for more invasive or costly treatment by staying current with your dental needs. With regular preventive dental care, we can help you maintain healthy teeth and gums for a lifetime.

Healthy Oral Habits at Home Are Essential

Routine exams and teeth cleanings with our Lincoln, NE, dentist are key components of good oral health, but what you do in between these visits is equally, if not more, important.

The basics of clean, healthy teeth and gums are simple: brush gently for two minutes twice a day (especially after meals) and floss daily. Some additional tips to help you maintain a healthy smile are: 

• Maintain a balanced, nutritious diet
• Reduce the amount of sugar you eat
• Do not smoke or use tobacco
• Wear a sports mouthguard during contact sports
• Avoid habits like nail biting or chewing on pens or ice

Why Does Good Oral Hygiene Matter?

Practicing good oral hygiene habits reduces your risk for cavities, gum disease, and other oral health conditions and contributes to your overall well-being. Your mouth is the entry point to the rest of your body, and bacteria in the mouth can quickly enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the rest of the body. 

For this reason, periodontal disease is linked to numerous health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), and low birthweight babies.

Schedule Your Next Dental Checkup

At our office, we know life gets busy, and oral health care is probably the last thing you think about. If you haven't been coming in regularly and have developed some issues, we promise not to lecture you! We are a judgment-free dental office, and all that matters is that you are taking positive steps to protect your oral health.

Please call our Lincoln, NE, dental office at (402) 413-6686, and we'll help you schedule a convenient appointment for your next dental exam and teeth. We see patients from Lincoln, Hickman, Bennet, Palmyra, Syracuse, Roca, and all surrounding communities.