Unfortunately, even the people with the best dental habits don’t see the dentist as often as they should. We recommend our patients see our team routinely for checkups and cleanings. Even if you brush and floss every day, these preventive visits are essential for safeguarding your smile against serious oral health concerns. Do you need a checkup and cleaning? What do these preventive visits involve?
Frequently Asked Questions About Checkups and Cleanings
Question: What does the dentist look for during a checkup?
Answer: The doctor will carefully examine your smile and look for potential warning signs of tooth decay, gingivitis, or gum disease. The doctor may also examine your jaw for signs of TMJ disorder or bruxism. Treating these common oral health concerns can protect the health and stability of your smile.
Question: How does a cleaning improve oral health?
Answer: During a cleaning, we use an ultrasonic scaling device to remove plaque buildup from the teeth. A bacterial byproduct, plaque can inflame the gums and weaken tooth enamel, increasing the risk of gingivitis or gum disease, as well as tooth decay.
Question: How often should we see the dentist?
Answer: We recommend having your teeth cleaned and examined once every six months. Children, teens, adults, and seniors all benefit from routine cleanings and checkups. However, if you have a high risk of developing gum disease we may suggest having your teeth cleaned once every three to four months.
Question: What warning signs should we be aware of?
Answer: If in between your six month visits you notice changes to your mouth, such as soreness or bleeding in the gums or aching/sensitive teeth, you should schedule a visit right away. We will take a look and see if you require treatment.
