Seeing your Arlington dentist twice a year for your dental cleaning and exam is an appointment that should never be skipped or delayed for too long. Your oral health is precious and you only get one set of permanent teeth. You want to keep them healthy. Regular check-ups are your insurance for strong teeth and gums.
1. Cleaning
Your teeth get squeaky clean at a dental visit. The dental hygienist expertly scrapes away plaque and tartar, scrubs your teeth, and flosses them, ridding your mouth of all the gunk that your own brushing and flossing techniques – no matter how good they are – will never be able to reach. Your teeth will never feel as smooth and shiny as they do after a professional cleaning.
2. Oral Cancer Screening
A standard and critical part of every dental check-up is your dentist’s examination of your mouth for any signs of oral cancer. When you’re told to stick out your tongue? When your dentist feels your neck? These are important elements of an oral cancer screening.
Oral cancer is an aggressive cancer but when caught early it is highly treatable. Your dentist knows what troublesome signs to look for, whether on your palate, tongue, or soft tissues around your mouth – and their expertise will identify any suspicious areas long before you ever could.
3. Gum Health Review
If your gums aren’t healthy, your teeth aren’t healthy, and vice versa. Gums should be soft and pink and healthy, but if they’re inflamed, swollen, sore, and bleeding, there’s a problem. You could be suffering from periodontal disease, and that puts your entire oral health in danger, potentially leading to tooth loss.
A review of gum health also includes a look at gum recession. When your gums begin to recede and show more of the tooth beyond the typical gum line, you’re at greater risk of decay and bacteria entering your system.
4. X-Rays
The recommendation for bitewing x-rays is usually once a year. These images give your dentist the opportunity to see what’s going on within your teeth and below the crowns of your teeth. Problems deep within the tooth that are not yet visible will only grow without intervention. X-rays are an important part of annual dental exams.
5. Diagnosis
Using tools of observation, examination, and x-rays, your Arlington dentist determines whether there is anything pressing going on with your teeth that should be tended to immediately. Seeing your dentist every six months means your teeth are checked for any developing problems and, should you have any, these frequent and regular visits ensure that oral health issues are addressed before they become more complex and require serious intervention.
6. Recommendations
Maybe you have sensitive gums. Perhaps you want to use an electric toothbrush but don’t know what’s best for you. Find out what your dentist’s and hygienist’s recommendations are for your unique oral health. They have your best interests in mind and will make suggestions based on what will help you maintain healthy teeth and gums.
7. Discussion
Want to know more about professional teeth whitening? Wonder if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign? Your bi-annual visit is a great time to quiz your Arlington general dentist about the cosmetic dentistry procedures that can enhance your smile. Ask all your questions, get all the answers, and talk to your dentist about the most viable options for a smile makeover based on your smile goals, dental health, budget, and lifestyle.
Contact Dr. Alana Macalik today to schedule your dental cleaning and exam, and be sure to see her every six months to keep your teeth and gums healthy, strong, and beautiful.
