Are you currently doing enough to keep yourself safe against threats like tooth decay and gum disease, or could you benefit from a better approach to preventive care? When you think about what makes an approach to oral hygiene “right” for you, remember that you should count on more than just your own daily habits for support. You should also commit to regularly visiting your dentist for preventive oral health checkups! At our Maple Grove, MN dentist’s office, we provide valuable preventive services that help patients avoid dental as well as periodontal problems. We can give you an early warning about a problem that might call for treatment, and we can also lower your risk for future problems by performing thorough dental cleanings.
When Was Your Last Dental Exam?
Have you seen a dentist for routine care in the last six months? Unless your dentist sees a reason to have you operate on a different schedule, semiannual preventive dental exams are recommended. By being consistent with these visits, you reduce your risk for more serious issues like advanced tooth decay or gum disease, and you can stay safe against plaque and tartar buildup. Delaying appointments makes you more vulnerable to future issues, and it can leave you more vulnerable to a problem that has already formed without your realizing it!
How Teeth Cleanings Protect You From Future Problems
Your hygienist will remove both plaque and tartar from your teeth – while plaque removal is something you can do on your own, you will not have success trying to fight tartar deposits by brushing and flossing alone. Tartar, a hardened form of plaque that can develop in a relatively short time, makes you vulnerable to cavities as well as the onset of gingivitis. As your hygienist works to clear away any visible buildup of debris, they can alert you to the presence of tartar in certain areas, and help you recognize potential shortcomings in your daily oral care routine. In some cases, we will recommend a more involved periodontal cleaning than a standard teeth cleaning; periodontal cleanings remove bacteria that are present below your gum line, which can lead to a reversal of gingivitis and the restoration of your gum health.
When Your Dentist Identifies A Problem
If a cavity is present, we can alert you to the problem and discuss the need for restorative dental treatment. Early detection of dental decay benefits you because treatment can protect you against an infection. If too much time passes before you receive care for your tooth, you can develop a painful advanced cavity that must be addressed with a root canal procedure to stop the problem from worsening.
Schedule Dental Care At Our Maple Grove, MN Dentist’s Office!
Elm Creek Dental is ready to help you stay on top of your oral health concerns and maintain a healthy, confident smile! To schedule an appointment or learn more about us, please call our dentist’s office in Maple Grove, MN, today at 763-416-0606.