When was the last time you stopped by our office for a checkup and cleaning? Undergoing routine care every few months can safeguard teeth and gums for years to come, which is why we recommend a visit twice a year. In today’s blog, your Mansfield, TX, dentist talks about dental exams and cleanings.
The Process of Examining Your Smile
When you sit down for an exam, we want to provide a diagnosis with precision and accuracy, so we can identify the possible areas of concern that need treatment, safeguarding your smile. Our team will look closely at your teeth and gums with digital x-rays and intraoral cameras, which use less radiation and provide high-definition images instantly chairside, so we can walk you through the diagnosis and help you understand the state of your smile and the solutions you may need. Our team will look for common issues like cavities, infections, gingivitis, and gum disease. We look for TMJ disorder and bruxism (teeth grinding) too, and will screen for oral cancer. The sooner we identify trouble, the sooner you can obtain care!
Cleaning Away Plaque and Tartar
Over time, harmful bacteria on our bites will consume particles of sugar and starch to create plaque buildup, a sticky layer that coats the teeth and is difficult to remove with brushing and flossing alone. This hardens with time into tartar. The buildup can increase the risk of cavities and even gum disease, which is why we want to remove it completely from your smile with a cleaning. In the same checkup visit, we will use an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual tool to gently and thoroughly break up and remove all layers of the teeth. We then polish the smile to make it harder for these layers to accumulate before you see us again.
Continuing Care at Home
You can also take measurements from home to help protect your smile before we can see you again, limiting buildup. You should brush your teeth when you wake up and then do so again before going to bed, for two minutes each time. Be sure you use a fluoride toothpaste, which helps strengthen your outer enamel. We also recommend flossing before going to bed to remove the particles of food and drink trapped between teeth and beyond the reach of your toothbrush’s bristles.
If you have any questions about our checkups and cleanings, or if you want to schedule one, then contact our team today.
Our Team Offers Better Smiles with Preventive Dentistry
Our team is ready to start you on the path to improved oral health with a routine exam and cleaning. To learn more about how we protect smiles with preventive dental care, or schedule your appointment, call our Mansfield, TX, dental team today at 817-473-6227.
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