Brushing and flossing your teeth twice each day is an essential step for maintaining good oral health. Removing food particles and plaque before they can harden into tartar will go a long way towards preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Unfortunately, even the most effective oral hygiene routine can still leave some tartar behind. This is why the American Dental Association recommends that you have a dental cleaning and checkup twice each year.
The procedure has several different facets. The first step involves a basic cleaning procedure to remove tartar from your teeth and polish surface stains. During the cleaning your hygienist will keep an eye out for signs of tooth decay, and gum disease. It’s a good idea to let them know about any suspected trouble spots right away.
Once your teeth are clean and polished the dentist will give your mouth a thorough inspection for tooth decay and gum disease. If they find any signs of tooth decay or other issues they will discuss your treatment options.
At the conclusion of the checkup, the dentist will perform a quick screening for any signs of oral cancer. They will look at your tongue, throat, face, and neck. Make sure to tell your dentist about any increased risk factors for oral cancer you might have. This includes a family history of oral cancer or lifestyle habits like regular alcohol and tobacco use. Detecting oral cancer early is essential for fast and successful treatment.
If you are due for a regular dental visit, please call our office at 972.535.6647 to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you!