What Do You Look For In A Checkup?

When was the last time you stopped in to see your Dallas, TX, dentist for a dental exam? We recommend dental checkups for our patients, whether they’re adults or children. These simple visits are essential for maintaining optimal oral health. But what does a dentist look for during an exam?

Digital X-Rays and More

The purpose of an exam is to assess the health of your smile. Using digital x-rays, intraoral cameras, and other advanced technologies, we can create a detailed picture of your oral health. Carefully examining your jaw, mouth, and teeth, we can look for signs of decay, inflammation, wear, and friction that could indicate the presence of trouble. We often look for cavities, gingivitis or gum disease, TMJ disorder and bruxism, or the presence of oral cancer. The earlier a problem is diagnosed, the less invasive and intensive treatment will need to be.

When Should You See The Dentist?

For adults and children over the age of three, we recommend a visit every six months. For those with high risk factors for gum disease, we may suggest one every three to four months. For babies, the first visit should occur around age one, after the initial baby tooth has erupted. Common oral health problems like cavities and gum disease don’t appear overnight, so attending your regular checkups enables our team to identify them in the earliest possible stages, helping protect your smile from serious complications.

The Cleaning Portion

Of course, the visit isn’t just limited to an exam. We will also clean the teeth. Patients of all ages benefit from a dental cleaning. They help patients enjoy fresher breath and brighter smiles. In addition, the visit enables the dentist or hygienist to remove any plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth. Plaque, a bacterial byproduct, occurs when bacteria break down food particles stuck on or between the teeth. The buildup actually weakens tooth enamel, leading to erosion, and inflames the gum tissue. Removing plaque helps reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, safeguarding your smile. If you have any questions about our dental exams and dental cleanings, or if you’re ready to schedule a visit for you or a member of your family, then contact our team today.

Gentle Smiles Family Dentistry Offers Preventive Dental Care

At Gentle Smiles Family Dentistry, we employ general and preventive care to help your smile stay healthy and bright. Contact us today to set up a visit by calling 972-329-7645 (972-329-SMILE) We strive to offer our patients of all ages compassionate, effective, and individualized care. At Gentle Smiles, we are proud to serve families from Dallas, TX, and the surrounding communities, including Mesquite, Balch Springs, Garland, and Seagoville.