For many people, things unseen can’t be that serious. Add to that, “out of sight, out of mind” as the saying goes, and it’s easy to understand why matters of health so often go unchecked and untreated when there are no active signs of trouble. Nobody randomly sits down and thinks about their heartbeat. No one ever checks their pulse oxygen level “just because.” We wait until there’s cause for worry — pain, numbness or just an abnormal feeling. However, this is an ill-advised approach to your health. Just as you take your car in for regular servicing, your body needs regular check-ups. This includes your teeth. Let’s talk about why you should have two dental exams (with cleanings) per year, even when things seem fine.
What To Expect
What are the common fears about dental check-ups? One for many people is the possibility of finding out that they need a procedure, which immediately triggers their dental anxiety. The best way to avoid this scenario is to maintain regular dental visits, so there’s the conundrum. If you’re stressed over what might happen at your check-up, here’s what you can generally expect:
A dental check-up helps to keep your mouth healthy and lets your dentist see if you have any dental problems. It allows your dentist to deal with any problems early, or even better, to prevent problems from developing. Leaving problems untreated may make them harder to treat in the future.
What happens in a check-up?
At each check-up your dentist will usually:
examine your teeth, gums and mouth;
ask about your general health and if you have had any problems with your teeth, mouth or gums since your last check-up;
advise you about tooth-cleaning habits, and your diet, smoking and alcohol use;
if appropriate, recommend treatment needed for any dental problems. Read more at Cochrane
Going for regular check-ups is an ideal way of showing your teeth some love! They’ll return the favor by serving you way better than if you neglect them.
Thorough Teeth Cleaning
There’s no doubt that you are diligent about cleaning your teeth daily with a complete regimen of brushing, flossing and rinsing…right? If you sometimes come up short on your home care and cleaning, you will definitely want a professional cleaning as part of your check-ups. Here’s a closer look:
Brushing and flossing on your own is critical in preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Plaque, the slick film you feel on your teeth in the morning, forms naturally every day, and brushing and flossing is the only way to get rid of it. If you don’t brush and floss, then bacteria will consume the plaque and produce acids that will wear down your teeth and gums.
Plaque that builds up over time eventually turns into tartar, a harder substance that can’t be removed with at-home oral hygiene habits. Even if you’re a devoted brusher and flosser, there may be parts of your teeth that are difficult to reach where plaque can build up over time, turning into tartar. Tartar is the next step on the way to gum disease and cavities.
During a professional teeth cleaning, our dentists have the tools, products, and techniques necessary to remove all of the plaque and tartar from your teeth. We’ll clean your teeth thoroughly to keep your smile healthy.
That clears things up. Professional teeth cleaning simply reinforces your own daily oral hygiene habits. Make it a consistent part of your dental care experience.
Keep Your Teeth Disease-Free and Shiny
Do you envy the way your friend’s teeth look like they’re straight out of a toothpaste commercial? Are they always clean and shiny with the brilliant glow of health? You can trust that they have standing six-month appointments with their dentist. It makes all the difference, as the following explains:
Prevent or Stop Gum Disease
Gum disease can be sneaky. Sometimes it’s nearly invisible, showing only quiet signs until it’s actually a problem.
Untreated gum disease can be no big deal or it can be incredibly harmful, eventually causing damage to your teeth and even your bones.
To address this in a timely manner, it’s best to check up with your dentist often.
Keep Teeth Shiny
If you want to keep a nice white smile, going to the dentist often is key. Even if you don’t elect to get special whitening products, regular in-depth cleaning is one of the best ways to help prevent long-term stains.
If you do decide to go the whitening route, a dentist can help you! You don’t have to go with the over-the-counter products that may or may not do anything at all. They’ll help you find something that’s right for your smile. Read more at Michelle Wang DDS
Now that you see the value in regular dental appointments, it’s time to decide who will provide your care. Dr. Jolene Dague is one of the leading dentists in Davenport, Iowa. At Dague Dental Solutions, you’ll get the highest quality of care. Get in touch with us today to schedule your dental check-up and cleaning. Call our office at (563) 386-9770 or reach us through the contact form on our website. We look forward to keeping you smiling for years to come.