Have you ever wondered why the golden rule in dentistry is “get a checkup and cleaning every six months?” What if your teeth are fine? Is it a gimmick? Is it a ploy to get people to spend money at the dentist’s office? Not at all. The American Dental Association recommends that everyone over one year of age visit the dentist for a cleaning and checkup twice a year – and with good reasons.
- Dental caries (cavities) is the most widespread childhood disease.
- Oral cancer claims 8000 lives each year in America.
- Gum disease increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, diabetes complications, low-weight births, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, osteoporosis, and certain cancers.
- Gum disease afflicts about 80% of Americans, and many don’t know they have it.
Found and treated in the early stage, tooth decay, oral cancer, and gum disease are treatable.
Left untreated, these conditions will worsen and can cause serious overall health problems, ranging from an abscessed tooth to premature death.
When you visit the dentist every six months for a checkup, you are essentially undergoing a scheduled preventive maintenance plan for your oral (and overall) health.
At your dental checkups, Dr. Amanda Foust will check each of your teeth for decay, wear, breakage, or other damage. She’ll also assess your soft tissues (gums, lips, cheeks, palate) for suspicious lesions or irritation. In addition, the dentist will perform a visual head and neck exam, and she may ask if you’re experiencing any oral or facial pain, tooth pain, bad breath, or other problems. Dentists can even help with snoring, sleep apnea, and headaches caused by TMJ disorder.
Click here to read “Why Do You Need a Dental Cleaning?”
If you’ve gone more than six months between dental visits, call Dental Impressions right now to schedule a checkup and cleaning. Your smile, your health, and your life depend on YOU to make wise decisions regarding preventive maintenance. Located in Ankeny, IA, Dental Impressions serves patients of all ages from Polk City, Bondurant, Elkhart, Alleman, and surrounding communities.
