Everyone knows that brushing and flossing daily are some of the most crucial methods to prevent oral health problems like cavities and toothaches. However, at-home teeth cleaning habits can only take you so far when it comes to maintaining a healthy smile. If you want to preserve your teeth for many years to come, you’ll want to schedule dental checkups and cleanings every six months (or sooner). Not only are these appointments essential for avoiding more serious conditions, but your visits will also typically be covered by dental insurance. Feel free to read on or reach out to our team at Nawrocki Dental of Cocoa Beach to set up your next visit!
Why Are Regular Dental Checkups & Cleanings Important?
Even if you think your pearly whites look clean and feel great, you’ll still want to consider visiting your dentist for a routine checkup and cleaning. These appointments serve multiple essential purposes, including:
- Detecting oral health problems early – Over 90% of systemic health issues begin showing symptoms in the mouth. That’s why our team will look out for warning signs of concerns such as diabetes, acid reflux, heart disease, and oral cancer.
- Prevent discomfort & costly future complications – For most patients, oral health issues can develop without being noticed until they’re already causing pain or difficulties. With dental checkups, we’ll help detect and address these problems before they can worsen and cost you extra money to treat.
- Maintain a bright & shiny smile – Other than daily brushing and flossing, getting a thorough tooth polishing can help remove deeper stains and plaque that you can’t address on your own.
What to Expect During a Dental Checkup
Dr. Nawrocki will first take the time to review your dental history, discuss your symptoms and any concerns you’re experiencing, and answer your questions. Once he has a clear understanding of your situation, he’ll begin evaluating your teeth, gums, tongue, and other oral structures. Our team might even take X-rays to have a closer look at the health of your roots and jawbone. He’ll also assess any restorations you might have (like dentures, crowns, or veneers) as well as check your gum health and screen you for oral cancer indications.
Once he’s finished, he’ll walk you through any developing issues he detected, like a cavity or gum disease, and recommend the best approach for getting your smile back on track with good health. He’ll then develop a customized treatment plan to improve your pearly whites. This may involve scheduling follow-up visits for treatments such as tooth-colored fillings or dental crowns, or updating your at-home oral hygiene habits.
What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning
After your dental checkup is finished, our team will dedicate some time to cleaning your smile. One of our dental hygienists will use specialized tools and precision to effectively remove any plaque and tartar that’s accumulated around your teeth. We’ll then use a professional-grade polishing paste to buff your teeth, which will effectively clean off any pesky particles and remove extrinsic stains from your enamel. You’ll be able to enjoy a bright smile while also lowering your risk of oral health issues later on.
