You have probably heard that dental patients are supposed to complete semi-professional dental cleanings every six months or so. Hopefully, you’re already keeping up with this recommendation. If, however, you are not, our Toluca Lake dentists are here to explain why these regularly scheduled appointments are so important. Keep reading to learn more!
Let’s quickly review what happens during a professional dental cleaning:
- Our team clears away plaque and tartar
- We evaluate your smile for any signs of infection, decay, or damage
- Our dentist completes an oral cancer screening
- If you do have ongoing oral health issues, we’ll make treatment recommendations
One of the key reasons that it is so important to see your dentist every six months is that plaque is always developing on your smile. Plaque that is not promptly cleared away—and no matter how diligently you clean, some plaque will be left behind—calcifies onto your teeth and turns into tartar. You’ll need a professional cleaning to get rid of tartar; by scheduling your cleanings every six months, you are able to stay on top of plaque and tartar development so that bacteria are not able to run rampant in your mouth.
You also want to ensure that you’re being assessed for early signs of oral cancer on a regular basis. Many types of oral cancer progress asymptomatically in their earliest stages. Our dental team is trained to notice subtle changes in your oral tissues that can be indicative of early-stage oral cancers. Don’t put off professional care and assessments—they can truly be life-saving.
If you have questions about professional dental appointments, our Toluca Lake dentists are happy to give you further information and support. Give us a call to schedule a consultation, or reach out to our team through the Contact Us page on our site!