With all of life’s daily hassles, it is easy to push off scheduling a visit to the dentist’s office for a regular checkup. Between work, picking up the groceries and shuttling the kids from school to soccer practice, sometimes it can be hard to find the time. The truth is, only 64% of American adults have visited their dentist in the past year, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. If you usually remember to brush your teeth in the morning and before bed each night, skipping a biannual visit to the dentist may not seem like a big deal. However, continue reading to find out why regular dental checkups in downtown Portland should not be missed!
Refresh Your Mouth with a Professional Cleaning
Brushing twice a day and flossing is an excellent way to keep your smile bright and your mouth healthy. However, small, hard-to-reach areas of the mouth can still be missed even when you practice good oral hygiene. For even the most diligent brushers, plaque and tartar can build up in those tiny crevices between your teeth, which can lead to cavities and gum disease if not removed in time.
When you visit your dentist in downtown Portland for a regular checkup, they will expertly remove plaque and tartar buildup using special dental tools. A professional dental cleaning at a dentist’s office is more thorough and complete than brushing normally at home and will leave your teeth feeling clean and refreshed.
Typical dental cleanings may also include such preventive services as:
- Stain removal
- Fluoride application
- Polishing teeth, fillings and crowns
Spot Problems Before They Get Worse
Regular dental checkups are about more than just leaving your teeth feeling clean, however. Preventive dentistry visits are also an opportunity for your dentist to thoroughly examine every aspect of your oral health, identify any developing trouble areas and recommend appropriate treatments.
In addition to checking for cavities, dentists also look for:
- Signs of gum disease
- Loose or broken teeth
- Damaged fillings
- Misaligned bite
- Early signs of oral cancer
Biannual dentist visits are also a chance to discuss any bad habits that may be negatively impacting an individual’s oral health – such as smoking cigarettes, chewing ice or biting nails – and provide information and motivation to change these types of harmful behaviors.
So, while it may seem like no big deal to skip a regular trip to the dentist, think twice! Regularly visiting the dentist every six months will help preserve a healthy, happy smile for the long term.
About the Author
Dr. Megan Block is a proud graduate of Texas A&M Health Science Center Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, Texas. A member of both the American Dental Association and the Oregon Dental Association, she is passionate about delivering high-quality dental care to families and individuals in the Portland community. To learn more about the wide variety of dental services offered by Dr. Block, feel free to contact her online or by phone at +1 503-761-1414.