We are currently heading into the second week of 2021 with higher hopes than we had in most of 2020. Indeed, this year for many is going to be a year of major change, hopefully for the better, as many have set goals to stay on top of their health and happiness, including attending routine dental visits. As a major part of the standard preventive care regimen, routine checkups serve more purposes than a cavity hunt and can even help identify minor concerns before they warrant extensive treatment such as a crown or root canal. In this week’s blog, your Vista, CA dentist will look at what really goes on during your examination and cleaning, as well as how it is necessary for a healthy smile.
Examining for Concerns
When you attend your routine checkup, your dentist will first begin by taking x-rays of your smile to ensure there aren’t any structural concerns that have arisen, such as a broken or chipped structure, misalignment, or wisdom teeth that have failed to erupt or came in sideways. After this, your dentist will carefully examine your teeth for signs of decay such as cavities, infection, red or inflamed gums, particles lodged between structures, and more. This practice affords the ability to spot any indication of minor concern or worry before it develops into a major problem that may warrant extensive treatment. For more information or to schedule your visit with our team today, please contact your dentist.
Removing Harmful Bacteria
Not only does your checkup entail a thorough examination, but a comprehensive cleaning as well. Over the course of time, harmful oral bacteria that thrive in warm, wet environments latch on to the hard-to-clean areas of the mouth, including on or around the back molars, behind the teeth, and near the gums. If permitted to stay, these bacteria work together to damage your healthy natural structures while creating a fuzzy barrier of protection known as plaque. When plaque is not treated, it can calcify and become tartar that is much more difficult to remove, also housing these threatening bacteria and causing bad breath. Your dentist will carefully but thoroughly remove these deposits and other signs of buildup to reduce your chances of future infection. Once this is complete, we will polish your teeth to make it more difficult for these bacteria to reattach, and you will be good to go!
Checking for Other Abnormalities
In addition to your cleaning, your dentist will thoroughly inspect the mouth for any signs of red or white patches, rough patches, or lumps that are present on the tongue, lips, cheeks, throat, and the roof and floor of the mouth. Abnormalities such as these can be indicative of bigger concerns such as oral cancer, and it is better to identify them sooner rather than later.
Schedule Your Visit
Checkups are necessary for routine preventive care and a healthy smile. Contac`t Melrose Dental Arts in Vista, CA by calling 760-724-9117 to learn more or schedule your appointment today.
