When was the last time you or a member of your family saw our team for a dental exam? With a checkup, we can make sure every member of your family continues to enjoy good oral health and bright smiles. In today’s blog, your Garland, TX, dentist will talk about the process of examining and cleaning your smiles, and why you need one twice a year!
The Checkup and Cleaning Visit
You should schedule one a visit once every six months, this goes for kids and adults alike. A checkup means we ask you about your smile and also take detailed images with digital x-rays and intraoral cameras. We examine these images instantly chairside, walking you throughout diagnostic process in some cases. The images enable us to see the teeth, gums, roots, and oral structures, identifying common problems in the earliest stages. If caught early enough, we may be able to treat them before you experience any painful symptoms!
Our exam could look for cavities in children, as well as issues with baby teeth falling out and permanent teeth erupting properly. For teens and adults, we also look for tooth decay, and gingivitis and gum disease too. We look for the warning signs of bruxism (teeth grindings), TMJ disorder, and even screen for oral cancer! In the cleaning portion, we remove all plaque and tartar buildup with an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual tool, which helps lower the risk of teeth stains, bad breath, cavities, and even periodontal issues.
Smile Care at Home
In between these visits, your family should be taking care of their smiles at home! For kids, it’s easy to drop the routine established during the school year, so making sure your little ones brush and floss daily is key. You also need to brush and floss too! These actions help reduce the severity of plaque and tartar buildup in between checkup and cleaning visits, so your teeth and gums remain healthy and strong.
Protecting Summer Smiles
Be sure you and your family cut back on sugary treats, and drink plenty of water. While sports drinks hydrate, they do contain acids and sugars that are harmful for the smile. Remember to watch out for swimmer’s calculus if you spend a lot of time in a pool, as the pH content could be linked to weakened enamel!
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR CHECKUP VISITS?
We’re ready to help you continue to enjoy the summer months with stronger and healthier smiles. To learn more about how we help you maintain your healthiest smiles, 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.