We recommend that all of our patients and their families visit us for a checkup and cleaning every six months. These visits may seem minor, but they are crucial for helping all ages maintain strong and healthy smiles. In today’s blog, your Ankeny, IA, dentist talks about how we help protect smiles with checkups and cleanings.
The Dental Checkup
The checkup portion is crucial for protecting your oral health. When you see our team for a dental exam, we will be able to closely look at your teeth, gums, roots, and more with advanced digital x-rays and intraoral cameras. Our team can make a diagnosis with precision and accuracy, so we can identify areas of concern and then plan treatment to help restore the smile and avoid major complications. This is helpful for all ages, and for kids in particular, this is a chance to instill good oral health habits and help them avoid dental anxiety as they become accustomed to seeing the dentist.
Cleaning Your Teeth
During each of your six-month appointments, our team will take time to clean your teeth thoroughly. With a dental cleaning, we will use an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual tool to gently and thoroughly break up and remove all plaque and tartar. Removing this harmful buildup enables our team to lower the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, as well as bad breath and teeth stains. The process only takes a few minutes, and our team will then polish the teeth for a brighter appearance and to make it more difficult for plaque and tartar to accumulate before your next visit.
Continuing Care at Home
Our team will also take time to talk to you and your family about better oral hygiene habits at home. Caring for your teeth and gums in between these visits also help safeguard your overall oral health. You should start and end each day by brushing your teeth for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste. You also need to floss each evening to remove what a toothbrush alone cannot, which helps control buildup and lower the risk of cavities and periodontal concerns. You can also help by cutting back on the sugar and starch in your diet, and by avoiding tobacco products.
If you have any questions about our dental exams and cleanings, or if you would like to schedule a visit with our team, then contact our office today to get started!
Keep Your Smile Strong With Dental Impressions
A simple exam and cleaning could be crucial for safeguarding your smile. To find out more about our preventive and family dental treatments, call Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA today at (515) 965-0230.
