May is Women’s Health Month, and while you may automatically think about ovarian and breast cancers, it’s important to also consider your oral health as a vital aspect of your overall physical care. Gum disease, tooth decay, and even oral cancer are all real dangers, which is why a dental checkup in Simpsonville can be so beneficial. Find out why regular checkups are so important and what you can expect during your visit.
Why Dental Cleanings Should Be a Priority
If you’re looking to keep your natural teeth for as long as possible, it’s best to keep your regularly scheduled dental appointments. You should see your dentist in Simpsonville every six months. Why? Because tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, bad breath, and oral cancer can develop. None of those particular diseases or conditions sound appealing, which is why your dentist wants to help.
Of course, it’s not just up to your dentist to keep your teeth and gums healthy and clean. Practicing good oral habits at home is crucial. If you want to establish better oral hygiene, learn suggested techniques or get expert advice about the best toothbrush and/or toothpaste, talk to your dental team.
What You Can Expect During a Cleaning
When arriving for your dental checkup, you can expect to be welcomed by a warm and friendly team of professionals. It is the job of the staff, hygienists, and dentists to ensure you feel comfortable and at ease while at the dental office.
Once in the chair, you can expect:
- Dental x-rays. If it’s been some time since your last visit, your dentist will most likely want dental x-rays. This will allow them to see a full scope of your mouth, including any problems or issues that lay underneath the gum line.
- Oral cancer screening. When detected early, there is a high rate of success with treatment so you can expect your dentist to thoroughly examine your mouth, tongue, lips, neck, throat, and jaw.
- Gum disease check. Gingivitis is an early sign of gum disease, and if your hygienist detects you have plaque and bacteria growing above the gum line, they’ll thoroughly clean it to remove any remnants.However, if the gum disease has advanced to periodontitis, a more advanced stage, they’ll determine if pockets have developed in your gums. If so, it may be necessary to have a scaling and root planing procedure to remove the plaque underneath your gum line to prevent bone and tooth loss from occurring.
- Tooth decay check. Using special instruments, your hygienist will exam the surface of each tooth to check for any signs of tooth decay. If holes have formed, that means you have cavities and will need to have them filled to prevent further breakage or damage.
- Dental restoration examination. If you’ve had any dental work in the past, whether it be dental crowns, dental implants, dentures, or even porcelain veneers, your dentist will want to check and make sure they’re in good shape.
Invest in your overall health, and make sure your teeth, gums, and mouth are in the best of shape by seeing your dentist in Simpsonville every six months!
About the Practice
Tylan Creek Family Dentistry is about getting you back to your daily routine as quick as possible. Our dentists and staff know you’re busy, which is why we always start appointments on time. But make no mistake, we provide a level of care that exceeds the expectations of our patients. Preventive care is of the utmost importance, so if you’re ready for a general cleaning and checkup, we’re here to help. Contact us via our website or by calling (864) 962-6671 to learn more about how we can help you with one of our many services.