Regular Dental Cleanings and Checkups Can Help Keep Your Smile Healthy and Prevent Gum Disease and Tooth Decay
Daily brushing and flossing are important for maintaining good oral health, but they can’t remove all the plaque and tartar buildup. Bacteria that cause cavities and gingivitis can thrive in the crevices around teeth. Regular checkups and cleanings by dental professionals can help remove this bacteria and prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
For individuals with good oral health, visiting the dentist every six months is recommended to catch any issues early and start preventative measures. People with more serious conditions, such as gum disease or severe tooth decay, may need more frequent appointments. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association suggest scheduling a child’s first dentist appointment between 6 months and 1 year after their first tooth appears. This helps to monitor tooth eruption and address any areas of concern, while also acclimating the child to the process and minimizing future anxiety.
Regular dental checkups are essential to prevent tooth decay, enamel erosion, gum disease, and other periodontal conditions from worsening. At Dental Depot’s Blue Springs and Independence locations, our knowledgeable team uses advanced diagnostic imaging technology to assess the health of your teeth, gums, and jaw, and determine if any specialized treatment is necessary. We recommend scheduling dental exams every six months with our experienced dental professionals.
Consistent brushing and flossing are essential to prevent the accumulation of plaque, bacteria, and tartar, which could lead to tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease. However, to completely get rid of these substances, a thorough dental cleaning from a professional is required. During the cleaning, specialized tools are used to scrape tartar and plaque that has accumulated near the gum line, and the teeth are polished to remove surface stains. Flossing is also done to remove anything that regular brushing and flossing have missed.
Regular dental cleanings are vital to maintain your family’s oral health, and we make scheduling convenient for you. With flexible scheduling, locations across the Kansas City area, and full teams of hygienists, Dental Depot makes it easy for you and your family to receive the care you need.Â
To keep your teeth healthy and strong, you need to provide them with extra care and treatments that are beneficial for tooth enamel. Besides regular dental checkups, cleanings, and daily brushing and flossing, some additional treatments have been found to protect and restore the minerals of your teeth and prevent tooth decay.
The mineralized material called enamel protects your teeth. However, as we age, it wears away, which can be accelerated by frequent exposure to acidic foods and drinks such as tea, coffee, and wine. Fluoride is a natural mineral that can be used as a gel or varnish to strengthen and restore the existing enamel, providing protection against tooth decay, cavities, and further erosion.
The rough surfaces of your molars and premolars are breeding grounds for bacteria and cavities, no matter how often you brush. Dental sealants are a thin, plastic coating that can be applied to these rough surfaces to protect against tooth decay. They can be used to seal off teeth that have already developed a cavity, or as a preventative measure on teeth that are more susceptible to decay.
Fluoride treatments and dental sealants are affordable and minimally invasive ways to protect teeth from decay. If cavities do occur, Dental Depot offers a range of restorative treatments such as fillings and crowns. We prioritize patient comfort during all procedures and utilize anesthetics when needed.
