We always urge our patients and their families to see us for a routine visit every six months. A checkup and cleaning may not seem like much, but these preventive visits are crucial for keeping teeth bright and healthy! In today’s blog, your West Allis, WI, dentist talks about the importance of a checkup and cleaning.
The Dental Exam
Let’s start with the actual exam portion of your visit. When you sit down, we will ask you about your oral health habits and any potential discomfort you’re feeling. We also want to know about any changes you have noticed about your teeth and gums. Next, we will take a close look at your teeth and gums with digital x-rays and intraoral cameras, which provide detailed images chairside, so we can conduct an exam with precision and identify issues in the early stages.
We look for common concerns like tooth decay, infection, gingivitis, and gum disease. We also watch for signs of TMJ disorder and bruxism (teeth grinding), and even screen for oral cancer! For kids, we watch for issues as their smiles grow and develop. These visits can help lower the chances of dental anxiety in kids, and help instill good oral health habits.
Keeping Your Smile Clean
In the cleaning portion of your visit, we will use an ultrasonic scaling device, which emits gentle vibrations, to remove plaque and tartar buildup. We then remove the stubborn portions of buildup with a manual pick. We complete the procedure by polishing your teeth, which brightens them and helps make it more difficult for plaque and tartar to accumulate before your next visit. The procedure is crucial for lowering the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, and helps limit bad breath and teeth stains too.
Better Oral Hygiene Habits at Home
Our team also wants to talk about protecting smiles from home in between these routine visits. You should take time to brush for two minutes in the morning and at night every day. We suggest a toothbrush with soft bristles and a toothpaste that contains fluoride too. You also benefit from flossing your teeth every evening before you brush that second time. Try to limit the amount of sugar and starch in your diet as well, and avoid tobacco products!
If you have any questions about preventive dentistry, or if you would like to schedule a checkup and cleaning visit, then contact our team today to learn more.
Ask Our Team About Preventive Dental Care
We want to make sure you and your family maintain good oral health, which is why we offer checkups and cleanings. To schedule an appointment with Stubbs Family Dentistry in West Allis, WI, call our team today at 414-541-8250.
