
Many oral health problems like cavities and gum disease can be virtually imperceptible in their early stages, but they can cause serious damage if they are allowed to progress. That’s why it’s important to enjoy regular dental checkups and cleanings at Temple Choice Dental. These appointments allow our staff to carefully clean your mouth, monitor your oral health, and address any problems in their early stages. Here’s why you should schedule a routine checkup at our office at least twice a year.
While you may be tempted to avoid seeing your dentist until you have an oral health problem, doing so can lead to preventable damage that requires costly restorative treatment to resolve. Regular professional cleanings can prevent infections by removing plaque from hard-to-reach places, and most dental insurance plans completely cover at least two dental checkups a year. This can also save a patient from the misery of experiencing a painful dental emergency such as a severe toothache, and, since poor oral health is linked to serious overall health problems like diabetes and heart disease, regular preventive care may lower your risk of developing such conditions.
A dental checkup at our Temple office will include a visual inspection of your mouth and a screening for abnormalities like oral cancer. We usually take x-rays once a year to check for problems beneath the surface, and we will create a customized treatment plan if we discover any issues. We’ll also take the time to answer any oral health questions you have, and we’ll review and update your medical history and list of medications.
Even if you practice the most excellent oral hygiene possible at home, there are still parts of your mouth that you cannot clean on your own. During a dental cleaning at our Temple office, our hygienist will gently remove plaque and food debris from between your teeth and along your gumline to reduce your risk of oral infections and halitosis. We’ll also thoroughly floss and polish your teeth to remove food residue and lift minor stains. If needed, we can perform a fluoride treatment to reinforce your enamel after your cleaning is over.