Spring is always an exciting season, especially if winter seems to go on forever. The days become longer, the weather becomes warmer, families start to play outside, and the world becomes a little more colorful thanks to flowers and trees in bloom. Spring is also a time when many families embark on annual spring cleaning in and around the house. After all, there’s just something relaxing about cleaning out unused clothes, expired food from the fridge, and opening up clean windows to let the breeze in. But did you know that this special season is also a great time to get a “spring cleaning” for your teeth with your dentist in Houston?
Why Are Dental Cleanings Important?
A common piece of advice from dentists everywhere is that all patients should visit at least twice a year for checkups and dental cleanings. But why twice a year? Do you still need these cleanings if you brush and floss your teeth at home? Truthfully, yes, dental cleanings are necessary even if you take excellent care of your teeth. Checkups and cleanings with your dentist in Houston help:
- Remove Plaque. Plaque is the super sticky stuff that can cover our teeth. If it’s not removed it can harden into tartar and increase the risk of decay as well as gum disease. The thing with plaque is that it can’t be removed at home through regular brushing, so basically everyone develops at least some plaque buildup, even if you brush and floss every day. Thankfully, dental hygienists are trained to remove plaque gently and effectively at your cleaning appointments so it doesn’t have the chance to cause problems.
- Check for Cavities. Besides giving your teeth a thorough cleaning, dental appointments with your dentist in Houston every six months help monitor any changes that may have occurred in your teeth or gums. One of the most common things to find at these checkups is a cavity or two. Cavities are easy to treat when they’re tiny, so it’s important to catch them early. If a cavity is left untreated for too long it can require additional treatment such as a root canal.
- Catch Gum Disease. Gum disease is a serious problem that affects nearly half of Americans over the age of 30, according to the CDC. While gum disease can be treated successfully in its early stages, it can quickly become untreatable and may lead to tooth loss, and can even affect overall health.
Prevention Is The Best Medicine
Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time and flossing in between each and every tooth once a day is the best way to take care of your teeth in between dental checkups. However, these habits alone aren’t enough to fully protect your teeth from cavities and other problems. You need to also see your dentist in Houston at least twice a year so we can prevent any problems from occurring or stop small problems from becoming big problems.
If it’s been longer than six months since your last dental checkup and cleaning, we welcome you to call our office to schedule an appointment today. We’re always accepting new patients and would love to see you!
