Why You Should Add The Dentist To Your Spring Cleaning List
Why You Should Add The Dentist To Your Spring Cleaning List
Spring is finally here, thankfully! The warmer weather never fails to motivate us to our “spring cleaning” phase, but why isn’t the dentist on that list yet? We clean our homes from top to bottom as a restart for the summer, but teeth are just as important to include on that list and what a better time to schedule a cleaning while you are already in that cleaning zone!
Typically, we recommend a regular cleaning every six months to ensure your teeth are healthy and in good shape. It is important to go to these “checkups” so we can catch any decay, treat plaque build-up, and assess your oral hygiene to ensure the next few months between visits, your mouth is as healthy as can be.
Not only does your dentist clean your pearly whites, but they also detect for any issues that may arise in your future. The things your dentist may check for during your spring visit may include:
Taking X-Rays to detect cavities early on. Tooth decay is the destruction of the tooth’s enamel based on many factors but is very common. Common enough that 92% of adults have had cavities and tooth decay at some point in their life.
Checking for gum disease. Many people don’t realize they have gum disease till their dentist informs them. Gum disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and the bone supporting your teeth.
Checking for forms of Gingivitis. Gingivitis is a milder form of gum disease that is easily treated when caught early. Typically, flossing and regular brushing will improve the Gingivitis condition. That may sound like an easy solution but flossing sometimes can be a chore and surprisingly, nearly 1/3 of adults never floss their teeth.
Check your fillings. Your dentist will do an exam and make sure all fillings are still intact and are doing the job intended for. Skipping dental cleanings may give your teeth time for a filling to crack or break leaving you with pain or discomfort. At your appointment, your dentist will check for these errors and follow up with treatment plans to have them repaired.
Reviewing for signs of early-stage oral cancer. Not to alarm you, because there is always a possibility for cancer and illnesses, but your dentist is there to check for signs of this and point you in the right direction for treatment. Another crucial reason to visit your dentist!
From the list above, we hope we have given you some insight on how important regular cleanings are for your overall well-being and the maintenance of your oral health. Also, check out this short video to summarize what a regular dental check-up entails.
Of course, we understand situations arise where six-month appointments aren’t feasible, so we encourage you to get into the office whenever you have some free time. Hopefully the warmer weather gets you in the mood for a teeth cleaning while you are cleaning everything else! If you have any questions regarding a typical cleaning at Green Leaf Dental Care, don’t hesitate to call our office at (636) 671-0102 and our staff will happily answer any questions you may have.
We hope to see you for your Spring Teeth Cleaning!
Green Leaf Dental Care