Many people think to go to the dentist when there’s something wrong, but many forget or don’t bother to see a dentist when everything seems to be fine. To maintain your oral health and help prevent potential complex treatments and oral surgeries, you should be seeing your dentist for exams and cleanings every year.
During a dental exam, we will thoroughly look over your gums, teeth, and may take X-rays. There are many instances when people have early stages of decay or infection but may not realize it yet. This is the best time to act on these dental issues as treatments, such as dental fillings, are much simpler.
Your dental exam will also include a professional teeth cleaning completed by one of our dental hygienists. They will begin by using a tool called a scaler to remove plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth. Once it hardens, it cannot be removed through normal brushing.
The hygienist then uses an electric toothbrush to clean your teeth, reaching those hard-to-reach areas with ease. Finally, they will use floss and give you fluoride to provide extra protection.
The American Dental Association recommends that you see a dentist for an exam and cleaning twice per year or every six months. This gives us plenty of time to catch any oral issues before they develop into something more serious.
Being proactive is the best thing you can do for your oral health. Preventative dentistry is always easier than restorative. If you want a healthy and clean smile, contact our friendly staff at Barker Dentistry & Implant Center today to schedule an appointment!