Regular Checkups and Cleanings: The Key to Great Oral Hygiene
It probably doesn’t come as a surprise that the American Dental Association recommends regular dental checkups and professional teeth cleanings for patients of all ages. Even patients who do a good job of regular brushing and flossing can experience problems. With regular checkups, we can identify these problems early, making them much easier to correct. At each checkup, your dentist will look for three main problem areas: tooth decay, gum disease and the possibility of oral cancer.
- Tooth Decay: Believe it or not, 90 percent of adults have experienced some level of tooth decay but early detection means we can quickly stop a cavity from spreading and disrupting your smile.
- Gum Disease: Gum disease can be worse than most people realize. Not only can it ruin a pretty smile, recent studies have linked gum disease to diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, and even stroke. At Dentistry of the Carolinas, we offer non-surgical therapies to reverse symptoms and restore your oral health to pristine condition.
- Oral Cancer: There are probably few words more scary to a patient than “cancer.” Here’s the good news – when caught and treated early, oral cancer has a 90-percent cure rate. Still, we should point out that 8,000 Americans will die this year from oral cancer – many needlessly because the problem was identified too late.
Along with keeping a close watch for these three problem areas, regular dental cleanings mean your teeth will look and even feel their best. Your dentist will remove any plaque and tarter, polish your teeth, and offer a fluoride treatment which will help your teeth fight cavities for several months. Professional cleanings are recommended every six months and oral X-rays are normally done once a year. Each patient’s needs are unique and your specific plan of care may vary. At Dentistry of the Carolinas, your dentist will ensure you are getting the very best care and treatment for your individual needs.
