The American Dental Association recommends a routine checkup and cleaning every six months. We agree, and urge our Gary, IN, patients to schedule one now before the holiday season fills up their schedules. Routine care helps protect smiles of all ages from common oral health concerns!
Why Do We Need Them?
A routine visit every six months allows your dentist to monitor your smile, watching for the earliest indicators of possible problems and then addressing them before they threaten the health and stability of your smile. We also take steps to help remove plaque and improve your smile’s health, preventing the onset of serious oral health complications. We suggest a visit twice a year for patients of all ages. However, should a patient have high risk factors for gum disease, we may suggest one every three to four months.
What Happens During the Checkup?
During the checkup portion, we carefully examine your teeth, gums, and oral tissues for warning signs of trouble. For example, we look at your teeth for signs of decay, as well as friction and wear that could indicate TMJ disorder and bruxism (teeth grinding). We watch the gums for signs of inflammation, which would mean gingivitis or gum disease. We always want to watch for lesions and sore places in your tissue that may mean oral cancer. From there, if necessary, we create a personalized treatment plan or refer you to a specialist.
How Does a Cleaning Impact Our Smiles?
During the same visit, we will clean your teeth with an ultrasonic scaler and then polish them. The procedure only takes a few minutes and significantly reduces your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. You also enjoy a brighter smile and may leave with fresher breath. If you have any questions about our checkups and cleanings, then contact our team today.
Ready for a Preventive Visit?
Enjoy the holiday season with a brighter and healthier smile. To schedule an appointment with your dentist, contact Healthy Smiles in Gary, IN, by calling 219-938-2637, or by emailing our office at info@healthysmilesnwi.com. We also proudly serve the residents of Gary, Miller, Miller Beach, and all surrounding communities.