To keep your smile healthy, plan to book your cleaning and dental checkups (Encinitas) every six months. Twice-yearly preventative care appointments are the best way to stay ahead of common dental problems. Being able to address them sooner and reverse certain issues can save your smile (and your wallet) for years to come.
The Benefits of a Dental Checkup
Some of the benefits of a dental checkup are not “tooth” related at all. During your exam, our dentist will assess your soft tissues to screen for diseases like oral cancer and periodontitis (gum disease.) Since both conditions typically aren’t seen by other health professionals until they’re severe, regular dental cleanings in Encinitas can help you address problems as early as possible. It could potentially even save your life.
Then there are the more obvious benefits of dental checkups (Encinitas) such as stain removal and fresher breath. When our hygienist gently removes tartar buildup and polishes your smile, you’ll have a blank slate to work with for the next several months! Without regular dental cleanings, heavy tartar buildup can lead to halitosis, tooth mobility, and ultimately tooth loss.
What Happens During Dental Checkups | Encinitas
Depending on your age, dental history, and concerns, some of the services offered during a six-month checkup appointment will include:
Scale and Polish — Chances are the polishing portion of your dental cleaning is the part you’ll remember the most. This is where we use a small buffing tool to gently remove surface stains. But most of the cleaning will be using a special tool to lift away calcified tartar buildup.
Digital X-rays — Low-dose X-rays allow us to screen for concerns that are not visible to the naked eye. They play an integral role in comprehensive dental exams and early intervention. Some of the conditions we’ll check for include cavities, impacted wisdom teeth, abscesses, cysts, and bone loss.
Dental Exam — Our Encinitas dentist will assess your current dental work, screen for oral cancer, examine your gums, and check the integrity of every tooth in your mouth. We’ll also be happy to answer any questions that you may have.
Periodontal Assessment — Gum disease is best treated as early as possible. Our hygienist will measure attachment levels around each tooth to identify gum detachment and disease during the beginning stages of periodontitis.
Oral Hygiene and Nutritional Counseling — If you have specific parts of your mouth that are harder to clean than others, our hygienist will work with you to modify your home hygiene routine. Patients at a high risk for cavities can discuss common nutritional choices to identify possible risks.
Fluoride Treatment — Fluoride varnish helps remineralize tooth enamel to combat decay, remineralize teeth, and address sensitivity.
TMJ Assessment — Be sure to let us know if you’re experiencing any symptoms of joint pain, stiffness, popping, or clicking when you open and close your mouth.
Orthodontic Screening — All children should have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7, because of the way their combination of adult and primary (baby) teeth fit together. We also offer orthodontic evaluations on teens and adults, as it’s common for teeth to shift over time.
Health Benefits from a Teeth Cleaning Near You
Your mouth and overall health are closely connected. Oral diseases and infections allow bacteria to spread into your cardiovascular system, suppressing your immune system and raising inflammation throughout your body. Untreated gum infections are directly linked to an increase in:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Infertility and reproductive issues (both men and women)
- Pneumonia
Booking regular dental cleanings removes the source of oral infections, giving you a head start on stabilizing co-existing medical conditions.
Book an Appointment Today
For a gentle, professional teeth cleaning near you, call Skeens Family Dentistry today. Our Encinitas family dentist offers comprehensive preventative care to help you enjoy healthy teeth for life! Book an appointment now.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES AT ENCINITAS FAMILY DENTISTRY
At our core, Encinitas Dentistry is a dental practice devoted to restoring and enhancing the natural beauty of your smile. How we accomplish that goal is what makes us stand out. We mingle time-tested approaches to oral care with state-of-the-art technology and procedures to deliver beautiful, long-lasting smiles!