As part of an effective dental hygiene and preventive routine, most people recognize that routine checkups and cleanings are important. Yet, many patients don’t realize the importance of sticking to the routine every time. Therefore, many patients may skip an appointment here and there, and despite their efforts, they still experience dental issues that may have otherwise been prevented. Today, we examine what checkups and cleanings help you avoid if you visit your dentist as often as recommended.
Chronic Dental Health Issues
Like cleaning your teeth at home, dental cleanings are designed to help you avoid chronic dental health issues, like tooth decay and gum disease, by eliminating the oral bacteria that cause them. At home, you can brush and floss away the plaque that oral bacteria form, but your toothbrush and floss can’t remove tartar (calcified plaque). To keep your teeth effectively clean, you need to allow your dentist or hygienist to professionally clean your teeth at least twice a year.
The Need for Extensive Treatment
If you already exhibit signs of a dental issue, then detecting it early during your routine checkup will allow your dentist to address the issue in its earliest stages. For instance, before a cavity develops and requires a filling, your dentist might notice that your tooth enamel is growing weak and recommend treatment to strengthen it. Before gum disease becomes severe, your dentist might notice the signs of early gingivitis and reverse it before you require extensive periodontal treatment.
Schedule a Checkup & Cleaning Appointment
By sticking to a consistent schedule of checkup and cleaning appointments, you can avoid many of the biggest potential threats to your oral health. To learn more, schedule an appointment by calling the Sunny Smiles dental office nearest you in El Paso, TX, today! We have offices in the East, Northeast, and Westside of El Paso, and happily welcome patients from all nearby communities, including Chaparral, Canutillo, Vinton, and Sunland Park, New Mexico.