The American Dental Association and your Mount Prospect area dentist recommend that you have a thorough checkup every six months. Have you ever wondered why this is? Regular checkups give your dentist a chance to examine your teeth and gums. Even the smallest problem, if left unchecked, can become quite serious. Although you brush and floss at home, regular professional attention is essential to ensure your teeth are clean and your gums are healthy.
What happens during a regular checkup?
During regular, routine visits to the dentist, your oral cavity will be thoroughly examined, and your teeth will be professionally cleaned. The dentist will check for evidence of decay, if necessary, X-Rays will be taken. Your teeth will be checked to see if there is a buildup of plaque and tartar on them. Plaque is a sticky substance that develops very quickly on teeth. If it is not removed properly, it hardens and becomes tartar. Although you can eliminate most plaque with regular brushing and flossing, only a dentist or oral hygienist can remove stubborn tartar.
The dentist will check the condition of your gums and their proximity to your teeth. With healthy gums, the space between teeth and gum are minimal, wider spaces often an indication of gingivitis or other gum disorders.
Cleaning:
Routine brushing and flossing help to remove plaque from the surface of your teeth and ensure your breath smells fresh. As hard as you may try, you cannot remove tartar at home. The dental hygienist, using special tools, eliminates the tartar; the process is known as “scaling.” The final stage of the cleaning process is polishing. Using a fine grit paste, the hygienist removes the last vestiges of stain.
Between visits to your dentist, brush twice a day and floss daily. Using mouthwash will help control bacteria that lead to plaque and keep your breath fresh.
Seeing a dentist regularly is the key to excellent oral health. Visit James Kakos, DDS near Mount Prospect at Website.com for more information on how you can keep your beautiful smile.
