Ask The Expert: Dentistry
MONTH
DENTAL
MYTH by Dr. Matt Artho, Owner of Country Lakes Family Dental
W
e all are creatures of routine. As a parent, one of my favorite routines is bedtime, specifically when it comes time to brush my kids’ teeth. As they squirm and resist, I am happy to continually remind them that their daddy is a dentist and they are lucky to get a professional cleaning every night, a routine many others only get twice a year.
That being said, it raises the question: Why is it necessary to visit my dentist every six months? Some say the concept of routine dental exams began in the 18th century with Pierre Fauchard who wrote “Those who are diligent on the conservation of their teeth…ought to have them examined two or three times every year by an experienced dentist.”
Of course, more recently, dental insurance coverage has influenced many dental patients to only seek biannual checkups. Interestingly enough, the American Dental Association states to maintain your optimal oral health
you need regular visits at intervals “determined by your dentist.”
Pregnant and nursing mothers at risk of
three or four-month routine as a preventative measure.
you is to consult with your dentist at
pregnancy gingivitis also should modify
their dental visits. Some dental The reality is every dental insurance will allow more patient is different. frequent visits for those Patients who may suffer “THOSE WHO with periodontal with certain types of ARE DILIGENT ON THE conditions or women gum or periodontal CONSERVATION OF THEIR who are pregnant, disease may require TEETH…OUGHT TO HAVE but for the sake of more frequent THEM EXAMINED TWO OR good oral health, visits. At the same THREE TIMES EVERY YEAR preventative time, those adult or BY AN EXPERIENCED measures may be pediatric patients who DENTIST.” essential despite are at a higher risk of insurance limitations. tooth decay due to certain Of course, the best way health conditions, disabilities, to determine what is best for or poor oral hygiene, may consider a your next visit.
940.455.7645 | COUNTRYLAKESDENTAL.COM | 74 MCMAKIN RD., STE. 200 • BARTONVILLE, TX 76226
14 | 35 WEST | SEPTEMBER 2020
www.35WestMagazine.com
