When was the last you visited the dentist for a routine checkup and cleaning? For some, these are easy visits to skip, as they assume brushing and flossing renders them unnecessary. However, even if you take excellent care of your smile at home, you should still see the dentist for regular preventive visits.
Six Month Checkups
The American Dental Association recommends routine exams for people of all ages twice a year. During these visits, we use advanced technology to carefully examine your smile. We want to look for potential threats above and below the gum line, in and around the jaw, and on the teeth. Early identification can allow us to address a problem before it threatens the health of your smile. We will also perform a routine oral cancer screening once a year. These screenings are vital as the high mortality rate of oral cancer is mainly due to the fact that the disease is rarely discovered in the early stages.
Routine Cleanings
Another important aspect of these six-month visits is the dental cleaning. Using a manual tool or an ultrasonic scaler, we will remove all plaque and tartar (calcified plaque) from the teeth. Plaque is a bacterial byproduct, one that can weaken tooth enamel and inflame gum tissue. Removal means reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. We then complete the procedure by polishing the teeth for a brighter look and smoother feel. An added benefit? Fresher breath!
Signs of Possible Trouble
Outside of your routine visits, you should see the dentist if you experience pain. Toothaches or tooth sensitivity, or gums that feel sore or bleed, are often indicators that a serious problem is developing. We can then perform a diagnosis and see what actions need to be taken to protect your smile.
Do You Need to Make an Appointment?
At Brighton Family Dental Group, we can use preventive care to help you maintain a healthy smile. You can schedule an appointment or consultation with Dr. Villani or Dr. Kondrat by reaching out to our office at (617) 562-5210. We are proud to offer a range of dental services to patients from Brighton, Watertown, Cambridge, Brookline, Newton, and all neighboring communities.
