Want to try something different as a New Year’s resolution in 2019? One possibility is focusing on you and your family’s oral health! Sure, most people try to improve their general health each January, but it’s equally important to take good care of your smile as well. And scheduling regular checkups with a dentist in Brownstown is the first step to making sure your teeth and gums are healthy. In this blog, you’ll find out why checkups are more than “just a cleaning,” and how to maintain your oral health in between visits!
What’s Included In a Checkup?
You might assume that checkups are only for getting a professional cleaning and making sure you don’t have cavities. While those two things are certainly important, checkups also include so much more:
- A medical history review and blood pressure screening
- X-rays (annually or as needed) so that any problems can be found as early as possible
- An oral cancer screening
- Annual gum evaluation
- Fluoride treatments for cavity prevention (for all children and some adults)
- Oral hygiene tips
- Dietary counseling as needed
- An opportunity to ask questions about any concerns such as cosmetic flaws, TMJ issues, and even sleep apnea
- A dental exam to make sure there are no new treatment needs and that existing dental work still functions well
How Do Regular Checkups Prevent Problems?
When it comes to your oral health, the old saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” rings true! Here are just some of the ways regular visits with a family dentist in Brownstown prevent bigger problems down the road:
- Prevent gum disease – You may be surprised to learn that gum disease is the #1 cause of tooth loss. Fortunately, regular care and good oral hygiene habits can effectively prevent and/or manage this common condition.
- Less need for major dental work – Most people would prefer to have small cavities treated with a simple filling rather than larger cavities that require major dental work like a crown.
- Emergency prevention – When your teeth and gums are regularly monitored, there’s much less chance of having an undiagnosed problem turn into an emergency situation when you least expect it.
How Can You Maintain Everything After a Cleaning?
Here are the best ways to maintain great oral health in-between visits:
- Brush and floss well (your oral hygiene habits don’t have to be perfect, but be as consistent as possible).
- Consider tools and products that make your hygiene routine more effective. Examples include an electric toothbrush, floss picks, an oral irrigator, or a fluoride mouthwash.
- Minimize sugars and avoid snacking or grazing all day. As a reminder, remember the phrase, “Sip all day, get decay.”
It’s a brand new year and a perfect time to commit to great oral health by scheduling a checkup. And it’s the best way to make sure everyone in the family has a smile they can be proud of in 2019!
About the Author
Dr. Sammi Hadad is a family dentist in Brownstown who is committed to providing high-quality, comprehensive dental care to her community. She knows that her patients would rather prevent dental problems rather than treat them, so she always encourages everyone to come in for regular checkups. If you have any other questions, she can be contacted through her website or at (734) 479-4600.