People Of All Ages Need Checkups And Cleanings
A checkup and cleaning is a preventive visit that benefits people of all ages, from babies and toddlers to teens and adults! These visits allow us to monitor your smile, and offer preventive methods of reducing the risk of everything from cavities to gum disease. In today’s blog, your Independence, MO, dentist explains why we need checkups and cleanings.
The exam is a chance to implement advanced technology and carefully look at the teeth, gums, roots, and oral structures for signs of trouble. From there, we can craft a personalized treatment plan to address these concerns before your smile develops painful complications, like tooth decay or infection. For kids, the first visit should happen within six-months of the first baby tooth falling out, and visits should occur every six months afterward. Adults also benefit from two visits a year, and along with looking for common issues like tooth decay, we also examine adults for gum disease, TMJ disorder, bruxism (teeth grinding), and even screen for oral cancer. The earlier a problem is discovered, the sooner we can offer treatment! For children, these routine visits also help instill good dental habits and may make them more likely to attend visits when they reach adulthood.
During the same visit, our team also cleans the teeth for people of all ages, which means gently removing all plaque and tartar from the teeth. Unless removed, plaque buildup only worsens with time and could increase the risk of bad breath, teeth stains, tooth decay, and even gum disease. The process is short, and helps preserve the health and beauty of the smile. We complete the procedure by polishing the teeth for a brighter appearance!
We also offer preventive treatments designed specifically for kids to help lower the risks of tooth decay. For example, with fluoride varnish we apply this re-mineralizing agent to the teeth during each checkup, which strengthens the outer protective layer of tooth enamel. We also have dental sealants, a special acrylic coating we apply to the hard-to-reach rear molars, which kids often have difficulty thoroughly brushing and flossing. This prevents food from becoming stuck between the teeth, lowering the risks of cavities and gingivitis. If you have any questions, then contact our team today.
Our team wants to offer care to monitor your smiles and help your family enjoy optimal oral health. To learn more about our approach to examining and cleaning your smile, schedule a consultation by contacting Independence Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Independence, MO, today at 816-350-0808. We also proudly serve patients who live in Grain Valley, Liberty, and all surrounding communities.