Proactively Keeping Your Smile Healthy

Most of us were taught basic good hygiene and dental health principles from a young age. For instance, besides brushing and flossing our teeth, our parents constantly had to warn us against consuming too many sugary snacks and sodas that could lead to cavities. While the first step to keeping your smile healthy is to brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once, the second step is to maintain a regular schedule of checkup and cleaning appointments at your dentist’s office. Regular visits allow your dentist and hygienist to help you control harmful oral bacteria in the form of sticky plaque and tartar. They also increase your chances of catching early warning signs of dental diseases and seeking treatment before serious damage to your teeth or oral tissues occurs.

Cleaning Your Teeth

The point of brushing and flossing your teeth every day is to control the buildup of dental plaque—a sticky substance formed by oral bacteria that clings to your teeth and gums. However, when plaque remains for longer than a day or two, it calcifies into tartar, which cannot be removed with toothpaste and water. By allowing your dentist or hygienist to professionally clean your teeth at least once every six months, you can keep harmful tartar and your risks of related dental diseases at bay.

Checking Your Dental Health

In addition to professionally removing harmful plaque and tartar, your checkup and cleaning appointments also involve careful examinations by your dentist to check for signs of existing issues. While prevention is preferable, dental issues like tooth decay and gum disease can still develop. When they do, detecting and treating them early offers your best chance at preserving a maximum amount of your healthy, natural tooth structure and oral tissues. During your exam, your dentist may use advanced imaging technology, such as digital X-rays and an intraoral camera, for a more detailed exam and diagnosis.