When was the last time you scheduled a dental exam with our team? A dental checkup may seem like a minor procedure, but this is actually vital for keeping your smile strong and healthy. In today’s blog, your Pella, IA, dentist talks about how we safeguard smiles with our checkups and cleanings.
The Times to Schedule a Dental Exam
We recommend a dental exam for patients of all ages, starting as young as age two. With a routine checkup, we have a chance to monitor your smile for signs of trouble, identifying and treating common issues before they threaten your smile’s stability, and often before they cause discomfort. During the visit, we will ask you about your oral hygiene routine and any potential symptoms and risk factors. We then examine your smile with a digital x-ray and intraoral camera so we can make a diagnosis with precision and accuracy.
Our team looks for issues like tooth decay, dental infection, gingivitis, and gum disease. We screen for oral cancer and also watch for issues like TMJ disorder and bruxism (teeth grinding). For kids, we make sure that primary teeth are erupting and falling out as they should!
Cleaning the Teeth
In the same visit, we also conduct a dental cleaning. While brushing and flossing can limit plaque buildup, only a cleaning can remove these layers completely. Which is why you need to see us every six months. BY removing plaque and tartar with an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual pick, we can lower the risk of bad breath, teeth stains, cavities, and even periodontal disease. The process only takes a few minutes and we then polish your teeth, which helps limit future buildup and brightens your smile.
Continuing Caring for Smiles at Home
Our team will also take time to talk to you about your oral hygiene habits at home, as we mentioned above. We want to make sure you and your family are caring for your smile as you should, so you can limit the risk of cavities and other oral health concerns. You should brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. You also need to floss every evening and try to cut back on the sugar in your diet. Avoid tobacco products too!
If you have any questions about checkups and cleanings, or if you want to schedule one now, then contact our team today to learn more.
Schedule An Appointment for Your Next Dental Checkup
Our team wants to help safeguard your smile with a routine dental exam. Call Allen and Neumann Family Dentistry in Pella, IA, today at 641-628-1121 to learn more about our preventive visits.