Routine Dental Checkups and Cleanings
Knowing that your teeth are clean, healthy, and free of disease isn’t the ultimate goal of general dental care – keeping them healthy is. Even if you don’t exhibit any signs of dental trouble, professional checkups and cleanings are necessary to ensure that none develop unnoticed. Generally, most patients should attend a checkup and cleaning appointment at least once every six months for optimal results. However, if you do exhibit signs of concern, then you may require more frequent visits until they are addressed.
The Point of Dental Cleaning
The most consistent threat to a healthy smile is the plaque that develops on your teeth every day. This biofilm is made up of hundreds of kinds of oral bacteria, many of which are harmful to your teeth and gums. You can brush plaque away every day, but once it calcifies into tartar, it won’t respond to toothpaste and water. Professional cleaning allows us to successfully remove every trace of plaque and tartar from your teeth and gum line, which dramatically reduces your risks of developing tooth decay, gum disease, and more.
The Need for Routine Exams
Routine cleaning can help you prevent most common dental issues, but it isn’t a guarantee against them. That’s why part of every visit also includes a thorough examination, during which we’ll carefully check for signs of tooth wear and damage, tooth decay, gingivitis, and more. We’ll also perform a comprehensive screening to check for tissue abnormalities that could indicate the presence of oral cancer, such as ulcers, lesions, tissue discoloration, and more.
Schedule Your Next Checkup and Cleaning
The best way to avoid the need for more extensive treatment is to regularly attend your dental checkup and cleaning appointments. To learn more, or to schedule an appointment with our team, call MMC Dental in Houston, TX, today at 713-926-8896.
