When was the last time you called up your El Paso, TX, dentists to talk about preventive dentistry? In today’s blog, we would like to talk about the importance of these routine procedures, and why people of all ages benefit from them. Let’s talk about three important facts about checkup and cleanings!
You Need Them Every Six Months
The American Dental Association suggests a routine visit for a checkup and cleaning at least once every six months. Having them periodically and on schedule means the dentist has a chance to keep a close eye on your smile. For adults, this means watching for the warning signs of serious trouble, such as tooth decay and gum disease, also screening regularly for oral cancer. For kids, this means also watching for signs of tooth decay, for also developing misalignment or issues with the growth of the smile that could lead to complications in the teen and adult years. Kids also have a reduced risk of dental anxiety when they attend these visits, and could be more likely to better understand their oral health and the steps needed to enjoy brighter smiles. Kids should attend the first visit at around age one, and routine exams and cleanings should happen by age two and continue as they grow! A note: If you do have high risk factors for gum disease, then you may benefit from a visit every three to four months in lieu of just twice yearly.
They Keep Your Smile Healthy
Catching a cavity early means we prevent infection or abscess. Identifying gingivitis means we can prevent the onset of gum disease. A cleaning means we remove all plaque and tartar form the surfaces of the teeth, which helps prevent weakened enamel and irritated gum tissue, lowering the risks of cavities and gum disease. You also enjoy fresher breath and brighter teeth too! These visits are essential, along with routine brushing and flossing at home, for keeping smiles of all ages healthy and strong.
Kids Need Them Too!
We’ve mentioned this above, but we really want parents to understand the importance of children’s dentistry. When we examine a smile, we can also talk to your kids about better snack choices, proper brushing and flossing, and the importance of watching out for changes in the smile, such as sore gums or aching teeth. We also watch for warning signs of trouble and administer treatment, such as minimal restorations, to protect the stability and health of their smiles.
SUNNY SMILES IN EL PASO TALK PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY
At Sunny Smiles in El Paso, TX, we want to help our patients enjoy their best possible smiles with the aid of routine care at home and in-office. For more information on our preventive treatment options, contact our N. Zaragoza dental practice by calling 915-849-9000.