Have you ever wondered if regular checkups and cleanings are truly necessary? Some people believe that if they don’t have any noticeable symptoms or discomfort that their oral health is in great standing. While changes in the appearance of soft oral tissues and toothaches are common indicators of conditions like gum disease, oral cancer, and dental caries, patients can still have oral health issues without noticeable symptoms.
Receiving professional cleanings and checkups from a dentist are a great investment in your oral health and general wellbeing. Routine dental care prevents many common conditions and promotes the early detection of potential problems. The earlier a condition or problem is detected, the more conservative the treatment (thus saving people time and money).
Why are checkups so important?
Many folks are surprised to learn how in-depth a dental checkup can be. When performing an examination, our dentist looks for more than signs of tooth decay. In fact, our team monitors the health of all oral structures including the density of bone mass and the health of all soft oral tissues such as the gums and the linings of cheeks. Our team looks for signs of infection, periodontal disease, and oral cancer. The health of the mouth is connected to one’s general wellbeing. We believe that a healthy mouth is the gateway to a healthy body so when providing checkups, we strive to consider each patient’s medical history.
Are cleanings important, too?
Yes, professional cleanings are very important to enjoying vibrant oral health. The reason cleanings are necessary is because regular oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing are not enough to keep plaque and tartar buildup at bay. What’s worse is that tartar cannot be removed by home practices, it must be gently scraped away by a professional hygienist. Tartar is the calcified version of plaque and is a major contributor to gum disease. With regular dental cleanings, you can help reduce your risk for periodontal disease.
To schedule a cleaning or checkup with our dentist, call Howl Dental at 918-749-1626 today.