As the temperature is gradually rising, the flowers are blooming,
and everyone is stepping outside to enjoy the start of Spring. While the kids
play outside, you’re probably preparing for your annual spring-cleaning
extravaganza, right? Well, maybe you’re not quite so enthusiastic, but before
you begin on that garage, why not start with a dental
checkup in Lincoln? Find out why your regular cleaning is important to
maintaining a clean and refreshing smile!
How Often Should I Visit My Dentist?
To ensure your oral health remains in good shape, you should
be visiting your dentist in Lincoln every six months, or twice each year. This
allows your dental team to thoroughly exam and clean your teeth and gums,
making sure there are no signs of disease, decay, or loosening teeth.
Regular checkups and cleanings, as well as proper at-home dental
hygiene routines, will prevent extensive restorations in the future.
What Are the Benefits to Regular Checkups and Cleanings?
As we mentioned above, it is better for your dentist to
catch any problems in its early stages (decay, disease, etc.), and regular
cleanings give you a greater chance of addressing problems before it’s too
late. Putting off regular checkups can only lead to negative effects on your
oral health. While you may not be experiencing pain, there may be problems
lurking.
The benefits to regular checkups and cleanings are many, so
if you need a bit of convincing, here are a few things your dentist will look
for when cleaning your teeth:
- Gum
Disease. This is one of the most common issues seen by dentists. Your gums
are red, irritated, and are bleeding when you floss. Your dentist may notice bacteria
around the gum line. If it’s not too severe, it could just be a mild case of gingivitis.
However, if teeth are feeling loose, it could be a sign of periodontitis. Signs
of gum disease, also known as periodontal disease) will require your dentist to
perform a deep cleaning process to remove plaque and tartar buildup, as well as
smooth out the roots of your teeth.
- Cavities.
If plaque is building on the surface of your teeth, it leads to tooth decay.
Bacteria can burrow deep into the crevices of your teeth, causing holes,
otherwise known as cavities. During your checkup, your dentist will look at
each tooth, and if necessary, will fill the cavity to prevent bacteria from
building in the future.
- Dental
Restorations. Do you have a crown, veneer, or dental implant? If you’re practicing
good oral hygiene habits at home, these are probably in good shape. However,
during your appointment, your dentist in Lincoln will check any restorations to
see if there is any cause for concern. If a problem is detected, a treatment
plan will be discussed to fix any loose, failing, or damaged tooth replacements.
- Stains.
Are you guilty of drinking too much coffee, soda, or tea? You know what it can
do to your teeth yet, you still don’t take the steps the prevent stains from
forming on your pearly whites. It’s okay, we’re all guilty of this, which is why
regular checkups with your dentist will help eliminate those stains caused by
foods, drinks, or even bad habits (smoking). Using proper tools, your dental
hygienist will remove any stains on the enamel of your teeth, making them feel
smooth and clean.
So, before you start working on your garden, kick off the
season with a beautiful smile. You and your dentist will be happy you did!
About the Author
Dr. Jennifer A. Reed, DDS, received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska before earning a Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry. Her focus remains on complex reconstructive, prosthetic and implant dentistry, but she enjoys all aspects of the field. She and her team at Smile Specialties offer comprehensive dental treatments, so you can enjoy a long-lasting smile. To learn more about our services, contact us via our website or by calling (402) 488-5007.
