Checkups And Cleanings Are Key To Healthy Smiles

A dental checkup and cleaning may seem like a minor thing, but these visits every six months are crucial for patients of all ages! From kids to adults, regular exams and cleaning visits can keep teeth bright and healthy. In today’s blog, your Grand Prairie, TX, dentist talks about how we can help you enjoy better smiles with a checkup and cleaning every six months, and why you should schedule one now to take advantage of your remaining 2024 dental benefits!

Your Dental Exam

The exam portion involves our team taking a very close look at your teeth and gums. With visual exams, digital x-rays, and intraoral cameras, we can obtain a clear and high-definition picture of your current oral health, often identifying areas of concern in the earliest stages. For kids, these visits also offer a chance to instill good oral health habits and help prevent dental anxiety later in life. With the information gained from this visit, we can plan any necessary treatments in detail. For adults, this allows us to determine when you develop issues like gum disease, so we can help you avoid discomfort and even the loss of your natural teeth.

The Cleaning Process

In the same visit, our team will also clean the teeth to remove all plaque and tartar buildup from the smile. This buildup can weaken enamel and inflame the gums to increase the risk of cavities, infections, gingivitis, and even gum disease. The same buildup is also linked to bad breath and teeth stains. But our team can help with a professional cleaning, removing all buildup from the teeth with an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual tool. We then polish the teeth to not only brighten them, but it makes it more difficult for plaque and tartar to cling to the teeth before your next visit.

Continuing Care at Home

We will also discuss ways to help protect your smile at home in between these six-month visits. For example, be sure you avoid tobacco use and cut back on the sugar in your diet. We also recommend brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes, and using fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush with soft bristles each time. You also need to floss every evening. If you haven’t seen us lately, then a visit now would be a great way to start the holiday season with a bright and healthy smile, and to use your 2024 dental benefits and health savings account funds before they expire at the end of the year. If you have any questions, then contact our team today to learn more.

Schedule a Visit to Learn More About Our Exams and Cleanings

Our team wants to help you and your family maintain good oral health all year round, so reach out to us soon! For more information on our dental checkup appointments, then schedule an appointment with Dr. Smith and our team by calling Pecan Tree Dental in Grand Prairie, TX, today at (972) 262-5111.