You Should Schedule Your Checkup Today

We urge our patients to see us every six months for a checkup visit. A dental exam may seem minor, but this is especially crucial for keeping smiles strong and healthy. In today’s blog, your Cleveland, TX, dentist talks about why you should schedule a checkup today, and what happens during your dental exam visit.

The Benefits of a Dental Exam

A dental exam is recommended every six months for people ages two and older. This visit means we have a chance to monitor the smile and identify common problems in the earliest stages, treating them before they can even cause discomfort in some cases. We use advanced digital x-rays and imaging systems to take clear pictures of the teeth and gums, as well as oral structures, so we can make a diagnosis with accuracy and precision. During your checkup we will look for indicators of tooth decay, dental infection, gingivitis, and gum disease. We also watch for TMJ disorder and bruxism (chronic teeth grinding). Thee earlier we diagnose the issue, the less intensive your treatment will need to be.

Oral Cancer Screenings

For adults, we also screen for oral cancer during these visits as well. Oral cancer has been shown to have a high mortality rate, with half of people diagnosed succumbing to the disease in just five years. One major reason for this is the fact that the disease is rarely discovered in the earliest stages. But with an annual screening, which is possible when you attend your checkup and cleaning visits, we can diagnose the disease early and increase the chances of a full recovery. Warning signs to watch for include sores, lesions, and rough patches in your smile that don’t heal after two weeks, changes to your voice or persistent hoarseness and sore throat, or unexplained weight loss. If you encounter symptoms like these, schedule a visit with us right away.

Cleaning the Teeth

During the same visit, we will also clean the teeth thoroughly. A dental cleaning means removing all plaque and tartar from the teeth with an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual tool. Doing so only takes a few minutes, and decreases the risk of tooth decay, gingivitis, and gum disease, as well as bad breath and stained teeth. If you have any questions about your preventive visits, then contact our team today to learn more.

Do You Have Questions About General Dentistry?

Our team wants to offer a checkup to help protect the health and stability of your smile. If you have any questions about our approach to general dental care, or if you would like to schedule a consultation today, please contact Cleveland Family Dentistry in Cleveland, TX, at (281) 592-1234. You can also find our practice at 205 E. Houston St. Cleveland, TX 77327.