Routine Dental Care Keokuk, IA
Routine dental care promotes good oral hygiene and benefits your overall health. Routine dental care refers to everything you do to take care of your teeth and gums, such as brushing and flossing at home and regular exams and cleanings at the dentist's office.
Dental care is available at Buffalo Prairie Dental in Keokuk and the surrounding area. Do not neglect your oral health. Contact us at (319) 313-7220 to schedule an appointment.
The Importance of Routine Dental Care
The lifelong practice of good oral hygiene can also reduce the chances of tooth loss. Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults. Just a few minutes of routine oral care every day can help prevent gum disease and keep teeth healthy and strong.
Problems in the mouth can affect the health of other areas in the body. The mouth is full of bacteria. Most of these bacteria are harmless, but some can cause disease. Good dental hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing regularly, can keep these bacteria under control. Without proper dental care, however, these bacteria can cause infections, which allow them to enter the bloodstream and cause damage to other parts of the body.
“Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults.”
Scheduling Dental Care
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), in 2014, only 15.4% of U.S. adults reported visiting the dentist every six months once per year — despite the overwhelming amount of evidence that dental health is integral to overall health. As such, it is essential that patients make room for dental care in their schedules whenever possible.
Before leaving the dentist's office, make sure to schedule another appointment in six months. Scheduling the next dental exam in advance will help ensure that exams and cleanings occur twice a year as recommended. If a patient needs more frequent appointments or additional treatments, the dental staff will help schedule them.
“Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults.”
At-home Oral Hygiene Care
To maintain good oral health between dental checkups, an at-home oral hygiene routine is essential. Here is a list of recommended steps this routine should include:
- Brushing twice a day with a dentist-recommended toothbrush
- Flossing once a day
- Using a fluoride mouthwash
This is not necessarily an exhaustive list, and the dentist may recommend additional steps depending on your oral health situation. If a patient is unsure about what oral hygiene products to use at home, they should ask our dental team for recommendations.
“To maintain good oral health between dental checkups an at-home oral hygiene routine is essential.”
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Professional Dental Care
Regular dental exams and cleanings are also essential to keeping teeth healthy. Dental insurance generally covers dental exams every six months at no out-of-pocket cost. At the dental exam, the dental professional will check the teeth and gums for signs of gum disease and tooth decay. They may also examine the tongue and other areas of the mouth for signs of other health issues, such as oral cancer.
The dentist will decide if any additional treatment is needed, such as fillings for cavities. Try to schedule these services as soon as possible to keep any issues from becoming worse. Ignoring a cavity or other problems could lead to a more serious procedure in the future, such as a root canal or tooth extraction.
“Regular dental exams and cleanings are also essential to keeping teeth healthy.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What should be included in an at home oral health routine?
Q. Why is dental care so important?
Q. Why is it important to schedule dental visits in advance?
Q. What happens during a routine dental checkup?
People Also Ask
Q. Why does the dentist use fluoride mouthwash in the cleaning?
Q. How can a person's diet help with tooth decay?
Q. How do lifestyle choices affect dental health?
Q. What is restorative dentistry?
FAQs
Q. How often should I go to the dentist?
A. See your dentist every six months for routine exams and cleanings. If you need special treatment, such as fillings, you may need additional appointments.
Q. How do I know if I have dental insurance?
A. Dental insurance is typically separate from regular health insurance. If you have insurance through your employer, check to see if dental insurance is included. If you are not sure, contact your HR department. If you have a health plan from the health insurance marketplace, it will not include dental insurance. You must pay for a separate dental plan.
Q. What is covered under my dental insurance?
A. Most dental insurance plans cover routine exams and cleanings, as well as X-rays. Services like fillings and extractions may be covered at a certain percentage. However, you may have to first meet your deductible. Contact your insurance plan to find out the specifics about your coverage.
Q. Can I use FSA or HSA funds to pay for dental care?
A. Yes, funds in a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) can often be used for dental care. Check your plan to make sure. Elective procedures, such as teeth whitening, may not be included.
Q. What are some early signs of dental problems?
A. It can sometimes be difficult to determine what is or is not a dental problem. However, there are a few telltale signs of dental issues that require professional attention. These include:
If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, get checked out right away to prevent more serious issues and infections.
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Dental Terminology
Call Us Today
Our dental team is here to provide exceptional dental care that meets the needs of a variety of patients. To schedule a dental checkup or exam, patients may call our office to request an appointment. Request an appointment with our dentist at Buffalo Prairie Dental by calling our office at 319-313-7220 today!
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
About our business and website security
- Buffalo Prairie Dental was established in 1999.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Lee County, Clark County, Hancock County, Des Moines County and Scotland County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Keokuk, Wayland, Montrose, Hamilton, Warsaw, Burlington and Memphis
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