Categories: Preventive Dentistry

Cleaning, Screening, and Examination: Oral Health Essentials

If you’re someone who values your teeth and wants to maintain a healthy smile throughout your life (and who wouldn’t?), then you should be sure that you’re scheduling regular visits to your dentist’s office. In fact, you should be visiting the dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. Taking this step will help you to prevent many of the common oral health problems that negatively affect your teeth. During these biannual appointments, your dentist and/or a hygienist can perform a cleaning, screening, and close examination for any oral health issues that may be developing.

Professional Dental Cleanings Remove Tough Bacteria

By brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly, you can drastically reduce your risk for cavity formation. However, even the most diligent brushers often leave some bacteria behind. There are surfaces in your mouth that are just plain tough to reach. Over time, that left-behind bacteria can form plaque and tartar. These groupings of bacteria are difficult to remove, and they can cause cavities to form. A professional dental cleaning allows your dentist or hygienist to use professional tools to thoroughly clean your teeth and remove any bacterial buildup. Make sure you’re having this done every 6 months.

Oral Cancer Screenings Can Spot Problems Ahead of Time

Another element of your regular dental visits is the screening process. Oral cancer is actually one of the most common forms of skin cancer. When the condition is spotted and treated early on, patients tend to have an excellent outlook. A simple screening can often catch some of the warning signs, like red or white patches on the gums, and lesions on the soft oral tissues inside your mouth.

Close Examinations Spot Structural Changes Before the Naked Eye

While you can often see a cavity forming on the surface of a tooth, not every oral health issue is visible with the naked eye. The structure of your jaw and the portion of your tooth beneath the gum line isn’t so easily visible. That’s why your dentist will employ special imaging technology, like x-rays, during your biannual visits. Your dentist can use this technology to view any changes to your bite or the alignment of your teeth. Based on the information they find, your dentist can recommend additional treatment or habitual changes to help ensure a bright oral health future.

Make Your Biannual Dentist Appointments at Elm Creek Dental

Your oral health is important! Everyone wants a beautiful smile that stands the test of time. At Elm Creek Dental, we will do everything we can to help you stay in front of oral health issues. Schedule an appointment for a checkup and cleaning by contacting Elm Creek Dental in Baxter, MN at 763-416-0606.

Dr. Carter

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