With the new year just around the corner, it is no surprise that most are exuberant to be through with this one. Indeed, 2020 has brought a significant amount of change, from remote learning and working to new regulations and customs, and for some, new opportunities to focus on their health and betterment. Now that the year is coming to a close, however, your Katy, TX dentist encourages you to prioritize your goals for the coming months, including starting the new year with a dental examination and cleaning.
Identifying Potential Concerns
As a general rule of thumb, your dentist recommends you attend a standard visit at least once every six months to ensure the health of your smile, which means if it has been more than that duration of time since you have visited your dentist, do not put it off any longer and come visit! Your checkup serves a bigger purpose than just a cavity hunt. In fact, your dentist will examine your teeth as well as surrounding tissues, gums, tongue, throat, cheeks, and top and bottom of the mouth for any signs of damage, concern, or abnormality. This means we not only investigate for signs of damage to oral structures, including decay or damage, but we carefully examine all aspects of the mouth and lips for signs of oral cancer or other concerns. The importance that accompanies attending an exam once every six months is to be able to identify minor concerns before they become major ones, as most issues can often be prevented with routine professional care.
Removing Harmful Bacteria
In addition to your examination, your dentist will perform an oral cleaning in order to remove harmful deposits of plaque. Plaque forms on and around teeth due to oral bacteria, and operate as a type of protective barrier for the bacteria as it continues to eat away at the natural, healthy structure of your tooth. If left untreated, this plaque can calcify into tartar which is much more difficult to remove, resulting in decay, infection, and even tooth loss. We will gently but thoroughly remove plaque deposits and other concerns, then smooth or polish your teeth in order to make it more difficult for bacteria to attach.
Oral Cancer Screening
Another important step in your examination includes an oral cancer screening, in which your dentist will check your tongue, cheeks, roof and floor of your mouth, and throat for any indications of oral cancer. This can include white or red patches, rough patches, abnormal lumps or bumps, and more. Oral cancer can affect anyone, including children, which is why it is best to attend your regularly scheduled appointment to ensure your oral health is up to date.
Learn More Today
To schedule an appointment or to learn more about the importance of attending your checkup, contact Lathrop Dental Center in Katy, TX by calling 832-437-3849 today.
