The word “checkup” often comes with associations of little kids at the doctor or dentist’s office to check on their growth and development. While these dentist visits are important and beneficial for little smiles, they are just as important throughout adulthood. In today’s blog, your Auburn Hills, MI, dentist will discuss why adult dental checkups are important, as well as what will happen when you visit our office for a routine exam and cleaning.
My Teeth Have Stopped Growing- Why Do I Need a Checkup?
While it is important to the development of little smiles and jawbones that a child’s teeth are checked on in every stage of growth, that isn’t the only thing your dentist looks for at a checkup. Even if all of your teeth have grown in and you are happy with how your smile looks and feels, regular dentist visits are an essential part of maintaining good oral hygiene. You likely know that the American Dental Association recommends flossing once a day and brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste to help ward off cavities and gum disease, but they also recommend attending a visit to the dentist every six months. This is because dentists can use their tools, education, and technology to achieve a more thorough understanding of your oral health than you could at home, and can fix potential problems that you may not have been aware of. Some oral health issues don’t always have clear warning signs like pain or swelling, and some, once they reach that point, have gone too far to reverse. In a dental exam, however, your dentist can look for less noticeable signs and make a plan with you to prevent problems from progressing further.
What Happens at an Exam and Cleaning?
At a routine cleaning and exam in our office, you can expect the utmost professionalism and kindness, even if you haven’t kept up with appointments every six months. First, one of our highly capable dental hygienists will perform a professional cleaning of your teeth. This cleaning will be able to clear off the hard, sticky plaque that cannot be removed from your teeth by brushing and flossing at home. By clearing away this plaque, your hygienist will be clearing away the bacteria that lives in plaque and feeds on sugars to create the acid that causes tooth decay and cavities. Your hygienist will also be able to see if the plaque has spread to your tooth roots and provide a deeper cleaning so that all sites of potential decay and gum disease can be cleansed, leaving you with a clean, healthy smile.
At your exam, Dr. Okoniewski will examine your teeth for any potential issues (the most common being tooth decay and gum disease), sometimes using intraoral cameras and x-rays to get a more complete understanding of your oral health. The more often you attend your six month checkups, the more likely we can prevent potential issues and stop them soon after they occur- before they would require more expensive restorative care in the future.
When Can I Come In?
Dental checkups should be an important part of your oral healthcare routine. If you’re due for a visit, schedule an appointment or initial consultation by calling Advanced Dental Concepts in Auburn Hills, MI, today at (248) 852-1820.
