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It is fairly common knowledge that we should see our dentist at least twice a year. What is the reason behind this though? Why not just brush and floss your teeth regularly so you only have to go when a tooth hurts? Because behind the scenes where you can’t see could be a nasty disease. Like many medical issues we usually miss the early signs that can help prevent them from spreading. Dental care is no different. On our own we don’t see the issues that could be forming in the gums. It takes the eyes and experience of a dental professional to locate early symptoms before they become a real issue.

Each dental check-up consists of two main parts. Inspecting and Cleaning. Both are equally important to maintaining a healthy smile.

Inspecting: The first step in a check-up is naturally to check the teeth and gums. The dentist will typically inspect your teeth first, looking for signs of plaque or tartar. Plaque is a clear, sticky bacteria that can form on the teeth. If left unchecked plaque eventually turns into tartar. Where Plaque is clear and hard to see, tartar can range from a yellow to brown color. This makes it visually easy to see and can make your smile dull or unattractive. Some bad habits like eating too much sugary foods and smoking can make teeth even more acceptable to plaque and tartar.

After the teeth are checked it is then time for the gums. By checking the spacing of the teeth, a dentist can tell if there is any sign of gum disease. A check-up will also have a quick check of other areas such as the tongue and throat. Looking for any form of swelling that may indicate a growing problem.

Cleaning: After the mouth is properly checked, it is then time for the cleaning. This isn’t like your typical brushing and cleaning, but much more effective and expansive. It includes scaling. Scaling is a way to remove tartar from your teeth. Plaque can be removed by brushing and flossing, tartar however requires professional cleaning.

After the teeth are cleaned they are then polished. A paste is put on the teeth that helps remove any stains that may be found. Finally they give your teeth a proper flossing, making sure the areas between your teeth are clean as well as the visible surface of them.

Between the Visits: To help reduce the chance of your dentist finding any anomalies or problems during a check up, remember to brush twice a day, floss at least once a day,and use a mouthwash that will help eliminate plaque and bacteria build-up.

Schedule your first dental check-up of 2015 with the Drs. Costello and Drake for a new year of good dental health.

 

Daytona General Dentistry – Atlanticdentists.com