How often do you see the dentist? You shouldn’t just wait until they ache or you notice something wrong. Instead, to maintain optimal oral health and avoid problems, you should see your Garland, TX, dentist for a checkup and cleaning at least once every six months! What makes these routine visit so vital? Do kids need them too?
Why Do We Need an Exam?
You need regular exams so we can monitor your smile and identify developing problems in the earliest stages, when treatment doesn’t need to be so invasive and extensive. We suggest one every six months for kids two and older, as well as teens and adults. During your exam, we will employ advanced technology to carefully examine the tooth structure for signs of decay, infection, and wear and friction. We also examine your gums for signs of inflammation, which could point to gingivitis or the early stages of gum disease. For adults, we screen for oral cancer once a year as well.
What Makes a Cleaning So Important?
In the same visit, we also clean teeth for patients of all ages. A cleaning removes all plaque and tartar from the teeth, a buildup that occurs when bacteria begins to consume stray food particles. A cleaning helps prevent cavities and gum disease, while also fighting bad breath and teeth stains. The process only takes a few minutes and involves the use of a manual tool and ultrasonic scaling device to remove all plaque and tartar.
What About Care at Home?
When we brush and floss daily, this helps reduce the severity of plaque buildup in between your regular office visits. Kids and adults alike need to brush their teeth when they wake up and again before bed, always using a toothbrush with soft bristles and a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Floss before bed is also essential as this reaches what a toothbrush cannot. In addition, try to cut back on sugary foods and drinks which could otherwise feed harmful bacteria. If you have any questions about routine homecare for you or your family, or if you would like to schedule a checkup and cleaning, then contact our team today to learn more.
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT GENERAL DENTISTRY?
We can help you and your family maintain your best and healthiest smiles with routine exams and more. If we discover trouble, such as tooth decay, remember that we have an array of treatments to correct these concerns and restore oral health. To learn more about our preventive treatment options, then schedule a consultation by calling Mai Dentistry in Garland, TX, today at 972-530-0552. For our patients who don’t speak English, our office is fluent in both Spanish and Vietnamese.
