The Importance of Getting Regular Dental Check-Ups

Regular and proper brushing and flossing are essential for good oral health. However, even the best dental habits may not be enough to avoid certain dental conditions, such as gum disease and tooth decay. Getting regular dental check-ups can help you avoid serious oral diseases that could affect your overall health.

During a typical dental check-up, our specialist checks for tooth decay, gum disease and other problems. Your teeth are also professionally cleaned, which can address any of the plaque and bacteria that you may have missed at home.

Plaque constantly forms on the teeth and gums. It develops from the sugar in food particles mixed with bacteria. When it builds up, it can cause diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Regular brushing removes most plaque, but some will remain and harden. When this happens, the plaque becomes tartar and can only be removed by a professional cleaning.

A special tool will be used to check your gums. It measures the space between teeth to see if they are healthy. The spaces should be shallow. When they are deep, it is a sign that you have gum disease. A check-up may also include an examination of your tongue, neck, face, head and throat to see if there are ulcers, swelling or cancer. Your teeth will also be properly flossed to clean between them.

Statistics show the benefit of regular dental check-ups. For one, gum disease is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults who are over 30 years old. You can save your teeth by having regular dental check-ups. The University of California, Berkeley conducted a study that found that women who have regular dental check-ups have about a 33 percent lower risk of heart disease. Aetna also conducted a study that showed that men and women who had regular dental check-ups had lower overall healthcare costs because many serious diseases were detected early. When examining your mouth, our team can look for early signs of vitamin deficiencies, oral cancer and diabetes.

Taking care of your teeth in your own home will also go a long way in preventing further oral health issues down the road. However, it’s still not enough. You still need to have regular dental check-ups in order to get the best health results possible.

The team at Implant and Comprehensive Dentistry is committed to providing the utmost care to you and your family when it comes to your oral health. Contact us today to set up a dental check-up at our office in Champions Gate or Winter Haven.