Oral health is a subject that should be taken very seriously. By following certain habits, we can significantly reduce the risk of many dental issues that affect our quality of life. The most severe of these dental issues is tooth loss, which is very prevalent in people over the age of 60 and involves many changes that affect your diet, your speech, and your self-confidence. To prevent this, dentists recommend having exceptional oral health habits and regular dental exams in Carrollwood
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What happens during a dental checkup?
When you arrive at a dental clinic near you for your routine checkup, a dental hygienist or dentist will be treating you. The first thing they will do is perform a thorough examination of your mouth with a small mirror and a light. These instruments will allow them to see things that you probably haven’t noticed before, such as the buildup of tartar in your teeth. Tartar is also called calculus and is a hardened form of plaque. Your dentist will also look for signs of gum disease, tooth decay, and any abnormal growths or lesions. Afterward, they will perform a dental cleaning.
Dental cleaning
Dental cleanings are a very common dental procedure where a dentist or dental hygienist uses an instrument called a scaler to scrape all the visible tartar on your teeth. It is important to point out that this is the only way to remove tartar once it has been formed, and no amount of brushing or flossing your teeth can replace it. This shows the importance of scheduling regular visits to a dental clinic in Carrollwood.
Once your dentist or dental hygienist has removed all of the tartar, they will use an electric toothbrush and a special gritty toothpaste to remove all the plaque residue from your teeth. This gritty toothpaste also helps polish your teeth and removes superficial stains. Then, you will receive a professional flossing session. This is the perfect time for your dentist to teach you how to floss properly and to tell you which areas you should target more. Finally, you will have a fluoride treatment. Your dentist will apply a gel or foam to a tray and then place the tray in your mouth. This helps remineralize your teeth and prevent dental cavities.
Other procedures
Some dentists take X-rays of your teeth during your regular checkup. This allows them to see the state and position of your teeth and detect tooth decay. If they identify a dental issue that requires attention, they may schedule another appointment to address it or refer you to a specialist if it is a more complex condition. Finally, they will offer some counseling in regards to your oral health habits and the risk you may have of developing a dental condition. This is the time for you to clear any doubts you may have with your dentist or oral hygienist; from the type of toothpaste, you should be using to whether or not you require orthodontic treatment.
Importance of checkups
It is vital to undergo dental exams near you every 6 months. They allow dentists to diagnose many conditions like tooth decay and gum disease from very early stages. This early diagnosis results in early treatment which stops the progression of these diseases before they can have lifelong consequences.
What to do between checkups
Taking care of your oral health involves much more than just visiting the dentist every 6 months. Follow your dentist’s recommendations by brushing your teeth after every meal and flossing daily. Also, try to avoid sugary foods since these promote plaque and dental cavities.