Our teeth sustain a lot of wear and tear every day, and the best way to prevent cavities and detect decay and other dental issues early is to have regular checkups. Here are a few reasons why you should see your dentist twice a year.
Brushing & Flossing Can’t Catch Everything
Brushing and flossing your teeth every day will keep your mouth healthy and help prevent cavities. However, no matter how often you brush and floss, you will eventually develop buildup (called tartar) that can only be removed by your dentist’s special tools.
Your Dentist Can See Problems You Can’t
One of the reasons dentists take yearly X-rays during cleanings and exams is because oftentimes, tooth decay develops between the teeth or below the gums and therefore cannot be seen with just a visual exam. X-rays also allow your dentist to detect any abnormalities that could develop in your jawbone or the roots of your teeth.
Oral pathologies such as cancer can be caught much earlier through preventative exams and your dentist’s trained eye. Plus, small cavities rarely produce symptoms, so early detection helps in saving your teeth and your money.
What to Expect at Mark Strandburg, DMD
To promote the health of your mouth and teeth, our team performs several steps during a routine cleaning and exam:
- Inspect the health of your gums and monitor existing fillings, crowns, etc.
- Take X-rays and photos of the inside of your mouth
- Screen for oral cancer
- Measure the supporting bone around your teeth
- Clean and polish your teeth
If anything out of the ordinary is found during your exam, Dr. Strandburg will sit down with you and discuss options for restoring your teeth.
Make your oral health a priority and schedule an appointment with us today!