28 May When Was Your Last Dental Cleaning?
As you may already know, it is recommended for you to visit your dentist every six months for a cleaning and checkup. But let’s face it: sometimes these appointments get away from us. Life becomes hectic, your schedule fills up, and occasionally you overlook an appointment. We know your summer is right around the corner, so don’t forget to plan your dental cleaning with our team at the Dental place in Grand Prairie, TX, before you head out for your vacation.
Take Care Of Your Smile At Home
As a general rule, you should visit your dentist twice a year for a checkup. In addition to these checkups, you also need to maintain a good oral hygiene routine at home as well. Your at-home oral hygiene routine should include brushing and flossing at least twice a day. Brushing your teeth helps to remove food particles and bacteria that may accumulate throughout the day. Don’t forget to follow up with flossing to reach the bacteria between your teeth. Skipping this step can allow bacteria to build up around your gums and lead to infection, which can cause halitosis (bad breath), bleeding gums, and other problems for your oral health. If you need any clarification about your oral hygiene routine, you can ask your dental team for tips on improving it.
Professional Cleanings Twice A Year
You may take great care of your smile at home, but that doesn’t mean you can skip your biannual dental checkup. This appointment includes a professional cleaning by a hygienist and an examination with your dentist. Your hygienist will carefully remove plaque from your teeth to help prevent bacteria from building up and leading to cavities. We will also polish your teeth and offer you fluoride to enhance your protection against cavities. After your cleaning, your dentist may take X-rays to get a closer look at your teeth and gums. They will look for signs of decay, gum disease, and other changes to your oral health that may require additional treatment.
Don’t Put Off Restorative Care
If your smile is in good health, your appointment is complete, and we will see you back in six months. If your dentist notices a change in your oral health, such as a cavity or broken tooth, they will update your treatment plan to include restorative care. Cavity fillings, for example, can be planned to stop the growth of a cavity and repair your tooth. Other restorative treatments may include care for a more severe cavity or dental crowns to repair a damaged tooth.
Plan Your Next Appointment With Us
Schedule a cleaning and examination with us before the summer starts. Call the Dental Place in Grand Prairie, TX, today at (972) 264-5795!