The Importance of Regular Dental Checkups and Cleanings

A visit to the dentist is not something that you do only when you have a dental problem. Prevention is always better than cure, and a dental checkup is vital in overall dental care. Scheduling dental visits for cleaning and checkup will allow the dentist to look for signs of dental disease. Early detection helps deal with issues before they become serious. 

Professional Teeth Cleaning

Good daily oral hygiene is vital, but it may not be adequate. Brushing and flossing your teeth daily will go a long way, but there are areas that a toothbrush cannot reach. The buildup of plaque and tartar can result in tooth decay, inflammation, and other long-term dental issues. Getting professional dental cleaning will prevent the accumulation of plaque and tartar. Regular cleaning can prevent the need for costly dental procedures in the future. 

Detecting Oral Health Issues 

During the checkup, the dentist will check the condition of the teeth and gums while also evaluating overall oral health. Checkup involves looking for signs of gum disease, cavities, oral cancer, infections, and other problems. 

The dentist may take dental X-rays to check for issues invisible to the naked eye. These include jaw injuries, impacted teeth, bone decay, and cavities between teeth. Red or white mouth patches can be signs of mouth cancer. 

Learning Dental Hygiene Tips 

Dental therapists and hygienists are crucial in educating patients on caring for their teeth and gums. Apart from professionally cleaning the teeth, they provide essential preventive dental care and valuable advice on home care. They show patients the best way to keep their teeth and gums healthy through lifestyle changes. They recommend the best cleaning techniques and dental products. 

Getting Tooth Whitening

Apart from cleaning your teeth, the dentist can offer professional whitening to improve the appearance of your smile. There are many whitening products in the market, but most are ineffective. 

Some may even be harmful to the teeth and gums. Your dentist has the expertise and experience to provide the best and safest whitening treatment. You can discover the cosmetic options available and learn how to get the desired results.  

Maintaining Good Oral Health

Maintaining good oral health goes beyond brushing and flossing your teeth every day. Your dentist will inform you about the effects of diet, smoking, and other daily habits on your oral health. 

Aggressive brushing and bruxism or grinding of the teeth can cause severe damage to the tooth surface. The dentist can recommend treatment options to protect your teeth. Regular dental checkups will enable your dentist to detect things early or prevent issues from happening.

You cannot know the condition of your teeth or gums by simply looking at them in the mirror. Many people use the internet to get information on dental health. Unfortunately, there is a lot of false information out there. 

Your dentist can give you the best advice based on your specific condition. If you have concerns about your teeth, the dentist should be your first call. Detecting issues early is vital not just for your oral health but for your overall health.

For more on the importance of regular dental checkups and cleaning, visit Seaport Dental Associates at our Boston or Milton, Massachusetts office. Call (617) 737-6453 or (617) 690-3205 to schedule an appointment today.