Spring is the time when we think about making fresh starts, so why not start the season with a fresh smile? No matter how well you brush and floss, or how devoted you are to your daily oral hygiene routine, these great habits do not take the place of a professional dental cleaning and exam.
Our Tampa dental office recommends dental cleaning and exams be done twice a year for optimal health. Here’s why:
Regular dental cleanings can prevent cavities from forming.
Your dentist or dental hygienist is able to clean sticky and rough areas along your teeth and gums to prevent bacteria from growing there and leading to cavities and gum problems. An important part of your dental cleaning visit is the oral examination given by your dentist. At this time, your dentist will check for cracks, decay, and other signs of cavity formation which can be addressed early. For some, especially children, dental sealants and fluoride treatments can be applied to prevent cavity formation.
Your dentist can clean more thoroughly than you can.
Your dental professional has the skills, knowledge, and tools to provide a dental teeth cleaning that removes hidden plaque by reaching places you simply can’t with your toothbrush and floss. Professional dental instruments have the ability to remove plaque from the narrowest places. A dental cleaning removes excess tartar, calculus, and plaque from your teeth, leaving them clean, smooth, and polished.
Regular dental cleanings give your dentist the chance to catch serious issues early.
In addition to looking for cavities, your dentist also looks for signs of periodontal disease, oral cancer, or other serious problems. Dental x-rays are taken so your dentist can see hidden issues. For children, regular dental cleanings and exams also provide your dentist with the opportunity to monitor tooth growth, and to determine if teeth straightening measures or wisdom tooth removal will be needed in the future.
If you need to set up a regular dental cleaning schedule and live in the Tampa area, give us a call!