General dentistry provides care to manage your oral health and protect you from the onset of serious issues, ranging from cavities to even infection or gum disease. A key component is the dental exam, which is why we recommend one every six months. In today’s blog, your Ankeny, IA, dentist talks about the importance of a dental exam.
The Dental Exam
When was the last time you saw our team for a dental exam? We recommend one for our patients and every member of their family once every six months. The serious oral health issues that can threaten smile stability, such as cavities, infections, and gum disease, do not form overnight. They take months to take root, so our team checking in every six months can catch these in the early stages, often before you develop discomfort, and offer treatment. This enables you to avoid painful symptoms and the risk of tooth loss. Kids can also become used to seeing the dentist, gaining a better understanding of their smile and avoiding dental anxiety later in life.
Cleaning Your Teeth
Along with the exam, we will also take time to clean your teeth in the same visit. A dental cleaning involves using an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual tool to gently but thoroughly break up and remove plaque and tartar buildup from your smile. Otherwise, the buildup could increase the risk of bad breath, teeth stains, cavities, and even gum disease. The procedure only takes a few minutes and is helpful for all ages. We complete the process by polishing your smile, which not only brightens the teeth, but limits the risk of major buildup before your next cleaning visit.
Tips for Better Homecare
We also want to talk about how to properly care for your smile in between these routine six month visits, so you can better protect your teeth and gums. People of all ages should start and end their day by brushing for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste. To reach what a toothbrush alone cannot, people also need to floss before bed too. Cutting back on the sugar in your diet is helpful too, as is avoiding the use of tobacco products.
If you have any questions about how our team will protect smiles of all ages with a routine six month checkup and cleaning visit, or to schedule your own, then contact our office today to learn more and get started.
Dental Impressions Talks About Preventive Dentistry
We want to help you smile with confidence and avoid the issues that could threaten your teeth and gums. To find out more about general dentistry, call Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA today at (515) 965-0230.
