Why Your Routine Dental Checkups and Cleanings Are Important

Thinking about skipping your next dental checkup? Routine dental exams and cleanings are more important than you may think. Maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile is dependent on several key components, including brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits with your Melbourne, FL dentist.

Most dentists recommend a checkup every six months. During these visits, your dentist will perform a comprehensive exam and dental teeth cleaning. Your dentist may also perform a full series of digital x-rays and intra-oral pictures, as well as an oral cancer evaluation.

Why They are Necessary

Your mouth experiences a lot of changes throughout the day. Bacteria in the mouth are constantly releasing harmful acids that attack tooth enamel and contribute to cavities. The buildup of bacteria in the mouth can also aid in the formation of plaque, a sticky substance that adheres to the teeth and can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

Good oral hygiene, which includes regular checkups and cleanings, is critical to a person’s oral and overall health. During a checkup and cleaning, your dentist also has the opportunity to look for problems like broken fillings and tooth fractures, as well as identify signs of early decay or infection.

If a problem is discovered during a routine checkup or cleaning, your dentist can promptly develop a treatment plan for addressing the problem. Early detection of oral health problems often results in less costly treatment and fewer symptoms, such as pain and tooth sensitivity.

Dental cleanings can provide a wide range of benefits for patients. Not only do cleanings remove tough plaque and tartar buildup, but your dental hygienist can also remove unsightly stains for a brighter smile. Many basic dental plans cover exams and cleanings which can also help patients save money.

Reasons to Schedule Checkups and Cleanings

Routine checkups and cleanings are critical to the health of your teeth, gums, and oral tissues. Here are just a few reasons to schedule a checkup and cleaning:

• Early diagnosis of health issues – The earlier that your dentist can spot a problem, the sooner it can be resolved. Your dentist may use a variety of tools and equipment to identify dental problems, such as x-rays.
• Deep, professional cleaning – While your toothbrush and floss can remove food particles and plaque, only a dentist can remove tartar from your teeth. During your cleaning, you can expect your dentist to clean and polish your teeth to remove any harmful buildup.
• Address cosmetic concerns – It is normal to have cosmetic concerns when it comes to your teeth, such as gaps, crooked teeth, or dark stains. Your dentist may recommend cosmetic procedures like professional teeth whitening or braces to resolve your concerns.
• Oral health education – Your dentist is the best place to go to get accurate and informative information and tips on how to best care for your teeth. Your dentist can provide guidance on how to improve your oral health and offer advice on how to alter your lifestyle for better health.
• Save money in the long-term – Even with insurance, dental services can be costly. Your dentist can help you save money over time by helping you discover problems before they escalate to more serious and costly issues.

Schedule Your Family’s Checkups and Dental Cleanings Today

For the majority of people who have relatively good oral health, your dentist may recommend a visit every six months for a routine checkup and basic cleaning. The average time it takes for a cavity to develop is about six months. This makes frequent visits to your dentist essential to catch problems early.

To learn more about why checkups and cleanings are important, or to schedule your next exam, contact the friendly team at Artistic Touch Dentistry.