Although we may think that our teeth are in good shape because they look good when we look in the mirror, regular visits to your family dentist are still very important. Regular checkups and professional cleanings can actually save your teeth, your health, and can also save you time and money.
Dental Checkups in Children
Taking children to the dentist at an early age is good for several reasons:
• Can show the child as well as the parent the correct way to brush and floss.
• Can talk to the parent about “Milk Bottle Caries” which usually develops if the baby sleeps with a bottle with milk or juice at night.
• Can discuss what is a healthy diet to ensure that there are not too many sugars and junk foods in their diets.
• Sometimes X-rays are recommended to help detect cavities beginning at the age of 5.
• Can check for missing teeth, crowded teeth, and crooked teeth.
• Can check to see if braces may be needed.
• Can check for cavities, chipped teeth, and or broken teeth.
Dental Checkups in Adults
• The dentist will examine your neck, throat, tongue, face, and all your soft tissues for swellings, discolorations, ulcerations, and other lesions that you may not have noticed.
• X-rays are usually taken to help diagnose areas of hidden decay and any pathology that may be associated with the teeth and or jaws.
• Will check for cavities, missing teeth, and broken teeth. Detecting cavities early makes for easier treatment and this can help to prevent permanent teeth loss due to decay progressing too far.
• Will check for Plaque and Tartar Buildup. When plaque is not removed, it becomes hardened tartar, and it is very difficult to remove and may not can be reached with a regular toothbrush and flossing alone. Therefore, going for your checkup will allow the dentist and hygienist to remove all the plaque which contains bacteria before it gets out of hand and causes gum disease and bad breath.
Please call or email if you have questions, (615) 445-8700, integritydentalcare@comcast.net