Why You Really Need to Visit Your Dentist Twice Per Year

More than likely, you have heard that it is important to visit the dentist twice a year. Many people neglect to do so, and there are also those who schedule their dental appointments blindly, without any idea as to how important that appointment really is. Most think a regular dental appointment is a great way to get your teeth cleaned, but there is a lot more to it!

Here we will give you a few reasons why a bi-annual dentist’s appointment is essential, and hopefully it will either encourage you to schedule a dental appointment or at least allow you to understand why a regular dental exam is so important.

Eliminate Cavities

A cavity results from plaque buildup, and can lead to the complete decay of the tooth if left untreated. A dentist is the only person capable of treating cavities and preventing any further damage to the tooth. If a cavity is not filled, the tooth can decay and lead to further infection. It is important to visit your dentist regularly so that you may remain updated on the health of your teeth.

Prevent Gum Disease

Practicing good dental care at home is important for preventing gum disease, but a regular dental appointment will ensure the accuracy of your home care. If left to advance, gum disease can lead to tooth loss, but can be treated and reversed if caught early. A dentist can detect gum disease and provide the proper treatment for your recovery.

Improve your Overall Health

Studies have shown that oral health is linked to the health of the entire body. It seems obvious then that good oral hygiene will help keep your body in good shape, and a dentist can determine the state of your oral health. To boost the health of your body, your dentist will practice preventative care as well as suggest specific treatments for your use at home.

Brighten your Smile

Certain drinks such as coffee and red wine can create stains on the teeth. Likewise, products like tobacco stain and create oral health concerns for you entire mouth. A dental exam and cleaning can help remove any stains and help prevent any further damage to your teeth, jaws, and gums.

Detect Problems Early

A dentist’s purpose is to provide preventative care. With this in mind, a dentist will screen for oral cancer, gum disease, cavities, and any other issue to make sure your health is in the best condition possible. Early detection means a better chance of recovery and detection comes from visiting the dentist regularly.

You will also save money in the long run by preventing dental problems before they become too severe. Early detection means less money spent on serious dental treatments.

Call Us Today!

To schedule an appointment for a dental exam and cleaning, contact Dr. David Novak in High Point today!

Do I Really Need to Floss?

You are probably like most people – you brush your teeth twice a day and may, on occasion, use mouth wash as an extra rinse. But like most people, you probably don’t floss as much as you should. 

Although brushing your teeth twice a day is recommended, by omitting flossing, you aren’t cleaning your teeth as well as you could.

So What Does Flossing Really Do?

Whereas brushing works to clean the surfaces of teeth, flossing is able to reach the spaces in between teeth that a toothbrush can’t clean. Mouthwash is capable of killing some plaque-forming bacteria, but it still cannot reach the spaces in between teeth.

By flossing once a day, you are ridding your teeth of plaque, which will form into tartar if left untreated. Tartar emerges when plaque hardens onto the teeth, and it can only be removed by a dentist. The longer tartar remains on the teeth, the more likely you are to contract gum disease. 

Flossing helps improve oral health by removing plaque from those hard-to-reach areas of the teeth and can prevent tartar and gum disease in the long run.

So How Do I Floss?

To floss correctly, first choose a dental floss that suits your needs. Unravel approximately 18 inches of dental floss and wrap it around your forefinger – holding it in place with your thumb. Gently wedge the floss in between each tooth, making a “C” motion as your clean each tooth – make sure to floss your back molars. Use a clean piece of dental floss as your current piece becomes more worn. 

Once you’re finished, you may use mouthwash to rid your mouth of any leftover bacteria.

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If you are flossing for the first time in a while, you may feel some pain or bleeding – this is normal! As you begin to floss regularly, any discomfort will begin to dissipate.

For more information about the services we provide or to schedule an appointment with Dr. David Novak, contact our High Point dental office today!

6 Great Ways to Whiten your Teeth

The importance of a whiter smile has grown throughout the years. A bright smile is associated with better oral hygiene and has also been proven to create better first impressions. There are many whitening methods available, and each of them have some benefit. Before scheduling an appointment with your High Point dentist, read up on the ways to whiten your teeth on your own.

Indulge in everyday snacks: Surprisingly, chewing certain foods helps scrape off plaque. Food groups such as fruits and vegetables produce saliva, which helps wash away staining bacteria on the surface of teeth.

Avoid coffee, smoking, wine, and other staining substances: Just like your skin, your teeth have pores, and when you consume staining foods, drinks, or tobacco, your teeth absorb them. Try to cut out as much of these substances as possible in order to produce a whiter smile.

White teeth equal healthy gums: Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly is essential for optimal oral health. It also helps ensure that your teeth remain white. If your gums are healthy and pink, your teeth will appear brighter.

Try a whitening toothpaste and mouthwash: Whitening toothpastes and mouthwashes won’t drastically increase your smile’s luminosity, but they will help kill staining bacteria. Additionally, these products include hydrogen peroxide, which helps brighten teeth.

Whitening strips do work: Although they aren’t as effective as a professional whitening, over-the-counter whitening strips can be used as a quick fix for a dull smile. Whitening strips tend to only target the front six teeth in the mouth, but they are able to lighten those teeth a few shades.

Schedule a teeth whitening appointment with your dentist: The most effective way to ensure your teeth whitening is done in a healthy manner is to schedule an appointment with your local dentist. Professional teeth whitening is faster and safer in the dental office and has the ability to whiten teeth better than any other whitening method.

Call Today!

In his High Point dental office, Dr. David Novak offers teeth whitening for patients looking to brighten their smile and improve their appearance. For more information about teeth whitening or other cosmetic procedures, contact us today and schedule an appointment!

Welcome To Our Blog!

We're excited to announce the official launch of our  David Novak, DDS blog. 

We'll be posting helpful dental tips, news from the dental industry, news from our practice, and more about the latest in dentistry.

We built our practice on the notion that we're there for our patients when they need us and we want our online presence to be a reflection of that principle. We hope this blog provides an extra level of service to our current and future patients. 

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Here's to your best oral health ever!