We all prefer a full set of straight, white teeth over missing or stained ones but many don’t realize how poor dentition affects our health. Losing teeth was as inevitable as gray hair and wrinkles in the old days but actually your teeth are meant to last a lifetime. It has only been in the last half century of medical history that doctors have realized just how important oral hygiene is to our overall health. Thank goodness that we live in the 21st-century and can enjoy the advantages of that knowledge, and today’s technology, and can pass them on to our patients!
Brushing, flossing, and using an anti-plaque mouth rinse get a gold star from us. However, that is only half the requirement for a healthy mouth. Receiving professional preventive dental care on a regular basis reduces your risk of developing an array of harmful diseases. Gum disease has been positively linked with an increased risk of serious disorders such as:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Respiratory illnesses
Stay Ahead of Plaque
Biannual dental cleanings and exams do more than remove tartar (also known as calculus, or hardened plaque). They screen for other pesky oral health problems like TMJ, and oral cancer. Exams bring to light more than just the possible need for fillings. They let us know about the following:
- Old, weakening dental work
- Bruxism (nighttime teeth grinding)
- Poor teeth spacing, alignment, and bite pattern (malocclusion)
- Tumors or lesions
It’s never wise to wait until a tooth causes severe pain or makes it hard for you to chew. Staying on top of your oral health is the wisest choice you can make.
Ultrasonic Scaling
Mai Dentistry uses innovative preventive care technology during dental cleanings with our ultrasonic scaling. This device uses high-frequency vibrations to remove hardened plaque more gently than a hand scaler. Water flow flushes the mouth at the same time so that the hygienist has visibility as he or she works. Hand scaling is used to fine tune a few spots afterwards. Then you have a clean and fresh mouth that looks and feels incredible.
Do You Need a Cleaning and Checkup?
A preventive checkup and cleaning can help strengthen your smile against tooth decay and gum disease. To enjoy a healthy smile, you should see your dentist every six months. For our patients who don’t speak English, our office is fluent in both Spanish and Vietnamese. To learn more, or to schedule your next appointment, call our Garland, TX office today at (972) 530-0552.
