Cleanings
An annual cleaning is important even for the most diligent brushers. A dental cleaning removes any tartar and plaque buildup, and can get into the hard to reach areas of your mouth. Your teeth will feel great after a dental cleaning!
Cavities
If you don’t remove plaque from your teeth, this sticky film of bacteria can result in cavities. Cavities are tooth decay, and can occur on any part of the tooth, but are most common between the teeth and on the biting surfaces. If a cavity is left untreated it will spread and can result in pain, infection, and loss of the tooth. Going to regular dental checkups ensures that any cavities are caught early and treated, preserving the tooth and keeping your mouth healthy.
Gum Disease
Your dentist will check the gum tissues in your mouth at your regular checkups to make sure that your gums are healthy. A buildup of plaque and tartar can also affect your gums, and infection can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth. Your dentist can diagnose any early signs of gum disease, which can lead to weakened teeth that can eventually fall out. To catch early signs of gum disease, and keep your gums healthy, keep up on regular dental checkups.
X-Rays
Another important aspect of regular dental checkups is dental x-rays. X-rays take a deeper look into your oral health, and can catch problems that might not be apparent on the surface. Impacted teeth, bone decay, swelling, tumors and cysts are all conditions that can be found through x-rays. X-rays also give you a history of your dental health, and can be useful in the future when making dental decisions.
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is extremely serious, but has early warning signs that your dentist is trained to spot. If oral cancer is not detected early, it can spread and become a life-threatening condition. Keep up with your regular checkups to ensure that any signs of oral cancer are spotted early on.
Head and Neck
Your dentist will also look at your head and neck for enlarged lymph nodes, swelling, or any abnormalities. Your jaw and bite will be checked to ensure there are no signs of TMJ. Your dentist will not only look at the health of your teeth, but the entire head and neck region.
Cosmetic Solutions
If your teeth are cavity-free, but you would like to improve their appearance, a regular checkup is a great time to discuss options with your dentist. Whitening, veneers, and Invisalign® can all help beautify your smile!
As you can see, going to the dentist regularly is essential for your oral health. If you are looking for a dentist in the Mineola area, Meadowbrook Dental Care would love to serve you. Our exceptional customer service, and our skilled dental care will keep you smiling!