The Importance of Regular Dental Checkups and Cleanings
If you fall into the 62 percent of U.S. adults between 18 and 64 who visited a dentist in the last year, you probably know the importance of regular dental checkups and cleanings. Regular checkups and cleanings are essential to maintaining good oral health and can help improve the appearance of your smile. Seeing your Melbourne, FL, dentist can also save you money in the long term, as you can take care of dental issues before they progress into more severe problems.
If you’re contemplating scheduling your next dental teeth cleaning, don’t wait. Here are some top reasons why regular dental checkups and cleanings are paramount to oral health.
Remove Plaque and Tartar
Everyone experiences plaque at one time or another. This sticky substance contains bacteria that coats the teeth, leaving a clear or yellow film behind. If plaque is not removed through brushing, it can turn into tartar, which can only be removed with a professional cleaning. During your routine visit, a hygienist will carefully scrape away plaque and tartar buildup before it can erode your teeth and create decay.
Receive Ongoing Education
No matter how old you get, there is always more to learn when improving your oral health. About every six months, you’ll have the opportunity to ask your dentist questions about your oral health, such as their opinion on a new toothpaste or the proper technique for flossing. Your dentist can also provide feedback about your oral health and offer suggestions on improving your teeth and gum health.
Diagnose Oral Health Issues
Just because you might not be experiencing any odd symptoms doesn’t mean that you don’t have an oral health problem that’s going undetected. When you visit your Melbourne, FL, dentist for a checkup, we’ll evaluate the overall health of your mouth and look for signs of a possible problem, such as cavities and gum disease. In addition to performing a visual exam, your dentist may take X-rays to look for problems not seen by the naked eye, such as impacted teeth or bone decay.
Detect Oral Cancer Early On
Oral cancer, otherwise known as mouth cancer, is a type of cancer that develops in any part of the oral cavity or back of the throat. At first, oral cancer may not present with any symptoms. However, in time, you may experience mouth and lip sores that don’t heal, patches inside the mouth, mouth pain, ear pain, or loose teeth. With an early diagnosis and treatment, oral cancer is often very treatable. Seeing your dentist every six months can help ensure that signs of mouth cancer are spotted as early as possible.
Achieve a Professional Clean
What you eat and drink and the habits you engage in, such as smoking, can also affect the health and appearance of your smile. While brushing and flossing at home can go a long way toward keeping your mouth healthy, only professional cleanings can help you achieve a deep clean. Professionals have the tools necessary to remove stubborn plaque and tartar buildup, as well as decay along the gum line, which may contribute to inflammation or mouth infections.
Gain Peace of Mind
It can be disheartening to discover that you have tooth decay or gum disease. Without regular visits to your local dentist, your risk of developing oral health problems increases. Regular dental office visits can provide peace of mind that your teeth are healthy and disease-free. You can also rest easy knowing your smile will last you a lifetime.
Schedule Your Next Appointment
If it’s been a while since you’ve seen a dentist or you are considering skipping your next checkup, make an appointment instead. Oral health issues can develop relatively fast, and you often won’t notice that there’s a problem until damage has occurred. Reach out to the dental professionals at Artistic Touch Dentistry to see how we can help you achieve and maintain a healthy and beautiful smile.