Your dental checkups are important. Maybe when things get too busy, or your finances are tight, you are tempted to skip them or put them off. However, attending your dental checkups every six months helps prevent future–more complicated and expensive–dental problems. Maybe it seems as if your hygienist is not doing much during your appointments, or maybe it’s because he or she is doing too much (scraping, that is!) that you don’t like going, but whatever your hygienist is doing is important to your dental health. Future problems can be prevented with preventive dentistry.
Periodontal Disease
Did you know that one of the major reasons for attending your dentist twice yearly is to keep away periodontal disease? Periodontal, or gum disease, is the major cause of tooth loss and it can sneak up on you without even knowing. Why? Because the symptoms can be subtle, and can take years of neglect to develop. Your teeth are meant to last a lifetime, but you have to take care of them.
Neglecting Your Teeth
It’s easy to neglect your teeth, especially after dinner or at night before bed. Often we are just too tired to worry about brushing our teeth. However, dental disease is almost entirely preventable if you practice proper oral hygiene. Simple measures including brushing at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash can help stave off periodontal disease.
Preventive Dentistry
Preventive dentistry helps to prevent cavities, enamel wear, tooth stains, gingivitis, and gum disease. Early diagnosis and treatment can help you avoid costly dental problems in the future.
Diagnosis: Diagnostic dental procedures include thorough dental exams and x-rays. X-rays are usually performed annually and include: bitewing x-rays, periapical x-rays, and panoramic x-rays.
Treatment: Preventive treatments include professional cleanings twice a year, fluoride treatments after the cleanings, and dental sealants (optional).
Don’t skip out on your dental appointments and keep your teeth for a lifetime.
ABOUT YOUR GRAND PRAIRIE DENTIST:
Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, restorative, and family dentist in Grand Prairie, TX. He takes a patient-first approach that starts from the moment patients enter our Pecan Tree Dental office, and he offers a three-year guarantee on all dental work that he performs. Whether you and your family are new or returning patients, you can schedule a consultation or your next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting us at (972) 262-5111.
