The American Dental Association as well as your dentist is very keen on you getting thorough dental checkups every six months. These routine checkups and professional cleanings are an important part of excellent dental care in Downers Grove. You may think that the fact you brush and floss regularly is all you need but that is not so, your dentist needs to see you every six months to ensure that small problems are caught early before they turn into larger problems with more drastic and costly solutions.
What happens during a regular dental checkup?
A typical regular dental checkup starts with the oral hygienist. This professional will clean your teeth thproughly, removing all evidence of harmful plaque and tartar. Although you clean your teeth at home, there are places that you simply can’t get to properly; it is in these places where decay can take hold. One of the major causes of tooth decay is plaque; the gummy substance that builds up on and between your teeth, during a professional cleaning this material is all eliminated as is tartar which is simply rock hard plaque.
Regular professional cleanings are an important part of dental care in Downers Grove but more importantly, the checkup is the time when your dentist gets an opportunity to evaluate the condition of your teeth, mouth and gums. The dentist will be looking for evidence of early decay; he or she will also be looking for any early indication of oral cancer and vitamin deficiency.
It may come as a big surprise but gum disease, after the common cold, is the second most common disease in the US. Heart disease as well is known to be associated with good oral health. When you have a healthy mouth you can help to avoid these problems.
Don’t put off your regular dental visits, seeing your dentist every six months is an integral part of excellent dental health.
Dr. Patrick J. Bannon is a Downers Grove dentist helps you cover the basics of general dentistry, such as dental cleaning, dental examinations, fillings, and other dental care areas.
