It's important that you take care of your teeth. While brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once can play a big part, you also need to see the dentist. According to WebMD, you should do that twice a year, or every six months. You might have let that slide a bit, but if you don't keep your oral health at its peak, it could affect more than your teeth. So, here's what you should expect at a regular visit to a dental center:

They Will Take X-Rays Once a Year

Usually, you start your visit with a hygienist. They will see when you last had your X-rays taken and then take a set if it's been a while. This allows them to make sure that there's nothing going on inside your teeth. It's a fairly quick process and the hygienist will take a quick look before starting the next part: the cleaning.

They'll Provide a Cleaning

The hygienist will start cleaning your teeth above the gum line, removing any plaque. If you're worried about any pain or discomfort, you can ask to have topical anesthesia applied to your gums beforehand. This will numb your mouth so that the hygienist can do their job without worrying about you being in pain. It really makes a big difference and the anesthetic wears off fast once they finish.

They'll Provide Flouride

After the hygienist has finished the cleaning, they will apply a topical layer of fluoride to make your teeth look nice and shiny. Once you are all set there, it's not time to go just yet. Your dentist will then come into the exam room and perform a quick exam, checking the state of your teeth by poking each one with a special sharp instrument. They will make sure that there are no signs of oral cancer and that no cavities have appeared on your teeth. Then they will shake your hand and you can be off on your way.

There's a very good reason why you should visit a dental center twice a year. Your dentist or hygienist can usually catch any gum disease in its early stage if you do that regularly. Then, you can reverse the gum disease by brushing and flossing properly. That's worth smiling about. Are you looking for a dental center near you? Contact us today at Divine Dental Center!