How often should you see the dentist for a dental exam? We urge our patients and their families to see us once every six months. These visits may seem minor, but they are essential for keeping teeth and gums strong. In today’s blog, your Celina, TX, dentist looks at the importance of an exam and screening.
Your Dental Exam
Every six months, we want to see you and your whole family for a dental exam. During this visit, our team will examine your smile with digital x-rays and intraoral cameras, so we can make a diagnosis with precision and accuracy. When we identify areas of concern, we can then create a personalized treatment plan to address it and save your smile. Our team can catch issues like tooth decay, dental infection, gingivitis, and gum disease, and even watch for TMJ disorder and bruxism (teeth grinding). For kids, this can help prevent dental anxiety and allow them to better understand the importance of caring for their smiles and cutting back on sugar in their diets. In the same visit, we will clean the teeth to remove the harmful plaque and tartar buildup that could lead to cavities and gum disease.
Oral Cancer Screening
For adults, we will also screen for oral cancer with advanced imaging technology, so we can catch possible cancerous or precancerous areas. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, of the estimated 53,000 people who will be diagnosed this year, half will succumb to the disease in just five years. The main reason for this high mortality rate is the lack of an early diagnosis, but a screening once a year can increase the chances of an early diagnosis and a full recovery. You should also watch for common symptoms, such as areas with rough patches, red and white splotches, or lesions that don’t pass after two weeks, or changes to your voice or persistent hoarseness/sore throat.
Symptoms to Watch For
We want to see you and your family twice a year for a checkup, but you can also make an appointment should you develop any common symptoms. For example, if you have pain in a tooth, this could mean the potential presence of tooth decay and infection. If your gums feel sore, look red, or bleed easily, then consider seeing us for a diagnosis as you may have gingivitis or the early stages of gum disease. If you have any questions about the importance of a dental exam and screening, then contact our team today to learn more.
Schedule Your Visit for Preventive Dentistry
A dental checkup is a great way to maintain good oral health. Contact Celina Family Dentistry in Celina, TX by calling 214-851-0130 to schedule your next appointment for a checkup and screening.
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