Routine Dental Health Maintenance
The most important step to keeping your teeth healthy is to clean them by brushing and flossing them every day. It’s equally important to visit your dentist’s office at least once every six months for professional checkups and cleanings. During each visit, we can more thoroughly clean away plaque and tartar, and check for signs of any impending dental health concerns. If necessary, we can also diagnose any concerns that do appear and consult with you to design the most appropriate treatment option.
Your dental exam
Every time you brush and floss your teeth, you should do so in front of a well-lit mirror so you can pay careful attention to how your teeth and gums appear. However, even upon close inspection, you might not notice some of the earliest signs of issues such as tooth decay or gum disease. During a professional exam, we can more successfully spot these signs, including:
- Weak or eroded tooth enamel
- Worn down tooth enamel or structures
- Chips, cracks, and other structural damage
- Redness and inflammation in your gums
- Deep periodontal pockets
- Issues with your bite’s alignment or function
- And much more
On occasion, we may also utilize advanced imaging equipment such as digital X-rays to gain a more comprehensive view of your oral tissues and structures.
Your dental cleaning
Checking for signs of trouble is an important way to stay ahead of any issues that might develop, however, your visit also includes a thorough, professional cleaning of your teeth and gums. Your dentist or hygienist will use professional equipment to remove the plaque and tartar (calcified plaque) that have accumulated on your teeth and gums. This will reduce your risks of developing tooth decay, gum disease, chronic bad breath, and other concerns that stem from excessive oral bacteria buildup.
Don’t skip your checkup and cleaning
Your best chance at keeping your smile healthy for life is to stick to a regular schedule of preventive checkups and cleanings. To learn more, or to schedule an appointment with us, call the Pecan Tree Dental office in Grand Prairie, TX, today at (972) 262-5111. We also proudly serve the residents of Arlington, Cedar Hill, Mansfield, and all surrounding communities.
