Skipping out on dental checkups is a regular occurrence, both for patients with insurance and those without. Whether it’s due to dental anxiety, concerns about treatment costs, or just the typical busyness of American lives, people find reasons to not prioritize their dental care. But at Texas Dentistry and Braces, we want to help our patients understand the importance of regular dental checkups. We encourage open communication and a stress-free experience and offer a membership plan to make your checkup a bit easier to bite off (pun intended).

Importance of Regular Dental Checkups 

Our approach at Texas Dentistry and Braces is to create genuine connections with our patients. We do that by getting to know you as a person through open communication and dialogue throughout your time at the office. Further, the better we get to know you, the better we can create a stress-free experience.

If there is a reason you aren’t getting to the dental office for your checkup, let us know. We’ll be happy to walk you through our membership plans and discuss the importance of dental cleanings and an oral examination every six months.

Your dental checkup is key to maintaining oral health.

Visiting the dentist every six months is like giving your mouth a health check. Think of it as a way to stop problems before they start. This is all about prevention. When you go for these checkups, your dentist can spot tiny issues you might not even feel yet. 

This early detection is key. It’s easier to fix small problems before they turn into big ones that can hurt and cost more to treat. Plus, regular visits help keep your teeth clean and your gums healthy, stopping cavities and gum disease in their tracks. So, making that dental appointment is a smart move for keeping your smile bright and healthy.

Professional Cleaning and Dental Evaluation 

Even with the best brushing and flossing habits, your teeth need a professional cleaning twice a year. Your toothbrush can’t always reach some of those hard-to-reach places, and as a result, bacteria can build up and turn into plaque and tartar. Only a dental professional can remove this buildup by using dental tools. 

In addition to your dental cleaning, your dentist will conduct an oral cancer screening. The risk of developing oral cancer or oropharyngeal cancer is higher than many people realize: one in 59 for men and one in 139 for women. When we catch it early, your chances of five-year survival or greater are significantly higher. 

Addressing Oral Health Concerns

The biggest issues we try to prevent at dental checkups include tooth decay and gum disease. The biggest issues that we address at your dental checkup include tooth decay and gum disease. Tooth decay and cavities are not the same but are closely related. 

Decay is a process that damages your teeth, happening when the enamel gets compromised, and harmful bacteria attack the tooth. This can lead to a cavity, which is essentially a hole in your tooth caused by the ongoing decay. Cavities are more than just uncomfortable; without treatment, they can cause serious pain and damage, which can lead to significant health problems beyond just your mouth. 

Further, severe periodontal (gum) diseases affect around 19% of adults globally, which is over 1 billion people. Gingivitis, if not addressed, can advance to periodontitis, a grave condition where the infection destroys the bone that supports your teeth, potentially causing them to loosen and even fall out. Regular checkups are crucial to prevent these outcomes and maintain both your oral and overall health.

Dental checkups benefit your overall health, too.

Dental checkups benefit your overall health, not just your mouth. Research has shown strong links between oral health and several serious health conditions. Problems in your mouth can affect the rest of your body. Diseases like cardiovascular diseases, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, obesity, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and even some cancers have been connected to oral health. 

Keeping your teeth and gums healthy can help lower your risk of these diseases or help manage them if you already have them. For instance, good oral hygiene can reduce complications related to heart disease and diabetes. During pregnancy, hormone fluctuations mean it’s especially important to maintain oral health to avoid complications. 

Besides these physical health benefits, having healthy teeth and gums also boosts your self-esteem. When your smile looks good, you feel good about yourself. So, regular dental checkups are a key part of maintaining both your physical health and your confidence.

How often should you get dental checkups?

Dental professionals universally recommend that you should visit the dentist for a checkup at least twice a year. However, the exact frequency can vary based on individual needs. Some people might require more frequent visits due to specific conditions like gum disease, a tendency to have cavities or ongoing dental treatment plans. Others, with excellent oral hygiene and no history of cavities or gum disease, might require less frequent checkups. 

Your dentist will assess your oral health status and risk factors to determine your best checkup schedule. As suggested above, certain factors may alter the frequency at which you need to pay a visit to your dentist:

• Age: Young children and older adults often require more frequent dental checkups. Children because their teeth and jaws are developing, and they are learning oral hygiene habits, and older adults to monitor for age-related dental issues.
• Existing dental conditions: If you have ongoing dental issues, such as cavities, gum disease, or are undergoing orthodontic treatment, you may need to see your dentist more often to manage these conditions effectively.
• Medical history: Your overall health can impact your oral health. Conditions like diabetes, certain heart diseases, or a weakened immune system can increase the risk of oral health issues, necessitating more frequent dental visits for monitoring and care.

What to expect during a dental checkup.

A dental checkup is more than just a routine visit; it’s a comprehensive approach to ensure your oral health is on the right track. Here’s what you can expect during your appointment:

• Pre-appointment preparation: Before your visit, make a note of any issues or questions you have about your oral health to ensure nothing gets overlooked.
• Medical history review: Your dentist will review your medical history to understand any factors that may impact your oral health or treatment options.
• Insurance verification: If you have dental insurance, the office will verify your coverage to ensure your visit is processed smoothly. We will also review membership plans with you, if applicable.

Components of a Dental Checkup

• Dental evaluation: Your dentist will check for signs of decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
• Professional cleaning: A dental hygienist will clean your teeth, removing plaque and tartar that can lead to cavities and gum disease.
• X-rays (if necessary): To get a closer look at what’s happening beneath the surface of your teeth and gums.
• Patient education and discussion: Your dentist will provide personalized advice on how to improve your oral hygiene routine.
• Oral health tips: Tips for maintaining good oral health will be shared and tailored to your specific needs.
• Addressing concerns and questions: The visit is a great time to discuss any concerns, with your dentist providing answers and reassurance.

Are you looking for a new dentist in Terrell, Texas?

If you are looking for a new dentist, Texas Dentistry and Braces is happy to offer the convenience of three locations in Terrell, Kaufman, and Mesquite. We invite you to request an appointment and experience the difference we create for our patients. We look forward to meeting you.