How many times have you heard a dentist tell you that your smile needs routine exams and dental cleanings? These preventive treatments may seem minor, but they are in fact essential for keeping your smile healthy and free of common oral health issues, such as tooth decay or even gum disease. You need checkups and cleanings in order to enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Checkups and Cleanings
Question: How often do you need to see us?
Answer: We agree with the American Dental Association: People of all ages need to see the dentist at least once every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning. The reason? Doing so can help prevent the onset of oral health problems, or allow us to identify them in the earliest stages, treating them before patients experience serious discomfort.
Question: What technology we will incorporate into your exam?
Answer: We will sue digital imaging to obtain detailed and accurate views of your smile. We can then identify problems in the very early stages. We can also screen for a variety of oral health concerns, including tooth decay, dental infection, TMJ disorder, bruxism, gum disease, gingivitis, and even oral cancer.
Question: How does a cleaning help improve your smile?
Answer: A cleaning allows us to completely remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. Even if you brush and floss regularly, this doesn’t remove all plaque from the teeth. The procedure reduces the risk of tooth decay and gum disease forming. In addition, we will also polish your teeth leaving them brighter and leaving your breath a little fresher.
Question: What steps should you take to care for your smile from home?
Answer: In between your routine visits, we recommend brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing every night to limit the amount of plaque that forms before your next visit.
Do You Need a Checkup?
At Magnolia Family Dental, Dr. Johnson-G’Sell and our talented team offer preventive treatments to help strengthen smiles and allow you to enjoy a lifetime of good oral health. To schedule a visit with Dr. Emily Johnson, call Magnolia Family Dental in Kirkwood/St. Louis, MO, today at 314-822-4521.
