The Importance of a Routine Dental Check-up and Cleaning

Routine Dental Care Houston, TX

We all try our best to take care of our oral health, and a dental check-up is certainly an important part of that. We brush, floss, try to eat properly, and avoid acidic drinks, but we can't neglect regular visits to the dentist to take care of our teeth, gums, tongue, and throat. 

A routine dental check-up and cleaning are essential to maintaining a healthy mouth. This article will discuss the importance of regular dental visits and some common questions new patients have about visiting the dentist.

Why are regular dental visits important?

That's a question many people ask. The answer is simple: to catch any problems early on so you can get effective treatment before it's too late. The American Dental Association recommends that patients visit their dentist at least twice each year for dental check-ups and cleanings - one in the spring and another toward the end of the calendar year.

Why is it important to brush and floss daily?

To keep your teeth clean, healthy, and free of plaque. Plaque is a sticky film that forms on tooth surfaces when bacteria in the mouth mix with sugars from the food you eat. Brushing helps scrub the teeth surfaces of plaque and debris, and flossing helps to get into the areas we can't reach by brushing alone. 

Plaque buildup is primarily responsible for tooth decay and sensitivity and can even lead to cavities and gum disease if left untreated. 

What happens during a dental check-up?

It includes an examination by our dentist or hygienist to look for signs of possible oral disease, such as cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer. We will also look for signs of systemic (whole-body) diseases like diabetes or osteoporosis, which can affect the health of your teeth.

Depending on your overall oral health, the dentist may recommend additional treatments services to address any underlying issues. This may include dental restoration work, cosmetic dentistry, and other care to get your mouth in great shape and looking its best. 

A dental cleaning is an excellent way to remove plaque that you may not be able to reach with toothbrush bristles alone - particularly under the gumline, where it can cause gum disease and tooth decay. Your cleaning will include a detailed exam of your teeth, gums, and mouth to check for any signs of oral cancer or other diseases that may need treatment.

Why is an x-ray important?

An X-ray is used to find hidden dental problems like cavities between the teeth that cannot be seen or felt during a regular exam. If we can see a problem on an x-ray, it is usually safe and easy to treat.

What can I expect during my consultation?

The dentist will ask you questions about your health goals, dental history, and review of systems to make sure there are no signs or symptoms that would indicate a problem with another area of the body. Patients need to be aware of their overall physical well-being to help them achieve the healthiest mouth possible.

The dentist and dental hygienist are highly trained professionals who work together to ensure your experience is as comfortable and pleasant as possible.

What should I expect during a visit?

Root canals, cavities, teeth cleanings, what exactly happens at the dentist's office? Many people are curious about what their first appointment will be like when they walk into the building for the first time. The dentist visit should be a positive experience where patients can get their questions answered and feel comfortable with the process of care.

We even have extra steps available for those with high sensitivity or anxiety issues when visiting the dentist. We have options available such as oral sedatives and local anesthesia, to provide a comfortable and relaxing experience that ensures you get the care you need even if you have difficulty going to the dentist for treatment. 

What should I expect during my dental cleaning?

Many patients are surprised by what they hear from their dentist or hygienist when the time comes for their first visit. Our professional team will make sure you feel comfortable and understand everything going on.

Every dental hygienist has their unique style, but every cleaning appointment aims to remove plaque and tartar (hardened bacteria deposits) from your teeth. They perform the cleaning with special tools like hand-held scrapers called curettes or ultrasonic instruments that vibrate at high speeds to remove plaque.

Schedule an appointment today

It's important to make your oral health a priority. If you haven't already done so, it's time to schedule in routine cleaning and exam. Contact your dentist today to get your next visit on the calendar. 

Request an appointment here: https://www.thegalleryofsmiles.com or call Midtown Dental - The Gallery of Smiles at (713) 979-4127 for an appointment in our Houston office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Routine Dental Care in Houston, TX.

Recent Posts

Important Dental Information About Fluoride

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that may be found in a variety of foods and tap water. Fluoride levels in water vary depending on where you live. Fluoride strengthens the tooth's enamel, making it more resistant to tooth decay. It also minimizes the quantity of acid produced by oral bacteria. Fluoride-treated children's teeth grow…

How Often Is Routine Dental Care Needed?

Going in for routine dental care does not have to be a scary process. Many patients feel so nervous about this visit that they may put off appointments for months or even years. If you regularly go to the dentist for teeth cleanings and examinations, you can keep cavities and gum disease at bay. Maintaining…

What Happens During A Regular Dental Cleaning

If you need to get your teeth cleaned regularly, you probably know that the dental cleaning process itself isn’t exactly fun. Still, it’s worth enduring these uncomfortable moments in order to protect your smile and keep your mouth clean and healthy. If you’re getting your teeth cleaned regularly or if you just want to learn…

Cavity Prevention With A Routine Dental Exam

A routine dental exam can help prevent dental cavities by detecting the early signs of enamel decay. If necessary, the dentist can take action to strengthen enamel so a cavity does not develop during a routine dental exam. This article provides a more in-depth review of the purpose and benefits of regular dental visits for…

Recent Posts

What Does A Dentist Recommend For Teeth Whitening

What Does A Dentist Recommend For Teeth Whitening

A dentist recommends teeth whitening for patients that have mild to moderate teeth stains. They use a peroxide bleach that can safely target and remove stains on visible front teeth, improving the color and shade of your smile. The following is a discussion of professional teeth whitening and how to determine if treatment is right…

What Are Preventive Treatments Offered By A General Dentist?

What Are Preventive Treatments Offered By A General Dentist?

General dentists spend a significant portion of their time performing preventative dental treatments. These treatments reduce the odds of common dental issues, like tooth decay and gum disease, from developing in the future. Preventative care saves patients time and money by making it less likely that they will develop severe dental problems that call for…

American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry logo
American Dental Association logo
Acadaemy of General Dentistry logo
clearcorrect logo
International Association for Orthodontics logo
International Congress of Oral Implantologists logo
LVI Global logo
Top Doctor Logo
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry logo
American Dental Association logo
Acadaemy of General Dentistry logo
Top Doctor Logo
clearcorrect logo
International Association for Orthodontics logo
International Congress of Oral Implantologists logo
LVI Global logo