Regular dental visits, usually every 6 months or once a year, are recommended for everyone and are even more important for individuals wearing braces or other dental appliances. While home care, including careful brushing and flossing, preferably after every meal, is always necessary, cleanings by a dental hygienist are much more thorough and efficient at removing tartar and plaque from the teeth and from the spaces between.

Left untreated, such substances can build-up, resulting in inflammation and gum disease. Professional cleaning is especially necessary. Water flossing is also very helpful in removing small food particles.

In addition to a thorough cleaning, depending on the frequency of dental checkups, the visit may involve one or more of the following:

• Thorough dental examination
• Dental X-rays
• Fluoride application