Even if you are thoroughly brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing every evening, you are still likely seeing a build-up of plaque and bacteria in your mouth. While tooth brushing certainly helps, you can never really get a full cleaning at home. This is precisely why seeing your dentist regularly is so important. In today’s blog, your Houston, TX, dentist talks about the necessity of professional cleanings and exams and how they can help you maintain a healthy mouth.
A Professional Should Clean Your Teeth
When you go to your dentist for a checkup, your appointment will start with a professional cleaning. While brushing and flossing are crucial for maintaining your oral hygiene, a thorough cleaning will assist in the removal of plaque and tartar. Yes, teeth brushing will slow down the growth of plaque, but it is still unavoidable. Plaque is the natural buildup of bacteria, saliva, and food. Again, while brushing can help with the buildup, it cannot fully stop this growth. Once plaque calcifies it becomes tartar, which requires professional cleaning to get rid of. If it remains untreated, tartar can ultimately damage your mouth, leading to tooth decay or gingivitis. When you come in for a cleaning, a highly-trained hygienist will thoroughly clean any build-up using professional tools, designed specifically for the task at hand. It is much better to have your mouth cleaned every six months than to wait until a larger, more costly procedure is required.
Exams Can Save Your Smile
After your teeth are cleaned, your dentist will conduct an examination, looking for signs of gum disease, tooth decay, and the general health of your mouth. When you maintain a regular checkup schedule, your dentist is more likely to catch potential issues early on, before they can evolve into larger problems. A comprehensive examination is a crucial part of preventative dentistry, and it provides your dentist with a full picture of your mouth’s health. In addition to looking at your teeth, your dentist can also determine the overall state of your bite and jaw. If your oral health care provider notices anything awry — like the beginning stages of gum disease or cavities — they can then suggest the proper treatment plan for your specific needs. The sooner they catch an issue, the easier the treatment will be. Finally, your dentist can provide at-home tips so you can keep your teeth as clean as possible between visits to the office.
Schedule Your Exam Today
If it has been over six months since your last checkup and cleaning, it is time to come in. Contact your Houston, TX, dentist, Dr. Vlachakis, by calling 281-974-4494. You can also visit Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry at 820 Gessner Rd., Suite #1560 Houston, TX 77024.
