You've probably heard it time and time again: brushing your teeth, flossing, and regular dental exams are important. While we can all appreciate having a beautiful smile, it's often easy to overlook the health benefits of preventive dental care.
The health benefits of going to the dentist regularly go deeper than just making sure your teeth stay in good condition. We're learning more all the time about how dental issues (like gum disease) can affect your overall health and lead to more serious health problems. That's why regular dental visits and a good oral hygiene routine at home are so very important!
Six-Month Check-Ups Are Essential
Six-month check-ups give your dentist a chance to keep an eye on your gum and teeth health, which allows any developing issues to be caught early on. A small cavity is easy to fix but if it's not addressed for many years, it can develop into severe tooth decay or even lead to infection. If a tooth is too badly infected, it may need extraction. It's much easier to take care of a cavity as soon as it develops - and it can save you money in the long run if you don't need more extensive procedures. We also do oral cancer screenings at every six-month check-up. Without regular dental appointments, oral cancer is very difficult to detect until it's reached stage III or IV. By then, it's already made its way through the body.
Don't Forget Teeth Cleaning, Fluoride Treatments, or Dental Sealants!
Regular cleanings are important because they remove tartar, plus any plaque that your toothbrush and floss might have missed. While your teeth are being cleaned, our hygienists can look for anything concerning, like cavities or signs of gingivitis (gum disease). Fluoride treatments are also helpful because they remineralize your teeth, which prevents soft spots in the enamel that can turn into cavities. Likewise, dental sealants protect your molars (which are particularly vulnerable to cavities) from things like bacteria, acids, and food particles.
Keep Your Smile Strong and Healthy at Enamel Dentistry
At Enamel Dentistry, we want our patients to have a lifetime of strong, healthy smiles, which is why preventive dental care is at the heart of what we do. Our dental office serves all of Austin, providing complete dental care for children and adults. Contact us online or visit us at our South Lamar, Parmer Park, Lantana Place, Saltillo location. We also have a fifth location at the Domain opening soon!
