Schedule regular dental checkups to maintain your oral hygiene and health.
Good daily oral hygiene and regular dental checkups help your teeth and mouth stay healthy. Scheduling dental appointments for cleanings and checkups every six months also enables your dentist to identify and keep an eye on any potential problems. Even if you haven’t seen a dentist in a while, seeking regular preventive dental care can improve your dental health, allow you to take care of any existing issues, and help you avoid more extensive dental work down the road.
What To Expect At A Dental Checkup
During your checkup, your dentist will look for decay, and any broken, cracked, or worn teeth and damaged restorations. They’ll also evaluate the condition of your gums. To check your gum health and detect signs of gum disease, your dentist may gently use a periodontal probe is to measure pocket depths around the teeth.
Most dentists recommend that patients get x-rays at least once a year to detect signs of decay and other problems that aren’t visible during an examination. Your dentist will also check your bite to ensure your teeth and jaw are properly aligned. If you have TMJ or use a dental appliance like a nightguard to prevent damage from grinding and clenching, it’s always a good idea to bring it with you to make sure it’s still doing its job.
Don’t forget to let your dentist know if anything has changed with your health status. Conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and even certain medications that cause dry mouth can have a serious impact on your dental health. Your dentist will also advise you on any dental work you may need and answer any questions you may have.
Oral Cancer Screenings Are Vital
Early detection of oral cancer saves lives. Many St. Petersburg dentists also perform oral cancer screenings at least once a year. Your dentist will look for mouth for sores, red or white patches, and feel the tissues in your mouth to check for any lumps or abnormalities. Your dentist will also feel your head, neck, and lymph nodes for any irregularities.
Regular Dental Cleanings Can Improve Your Overall Health
Dental checkups and cleanings usually go hand in hand. Getting professional checkups and cleanings regularly enhances not only your dental health but your overall health as well. Having your teeth cleaned can prevent or halt the progression of gum disease, which may cause bad breath, loose teeth, bone loss, and tooth loss. Research has shown that poor oral health and chronic gum infection may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, and preterm labor, so keeping your mouth and teeth clean and in good condition is vital. Not only that, early signs of systemic conditions such as HIV/AIDS and diabetes may be detected in the mouth.
Regular Cleanings Can Make Your Smile Shine
Regular professional cleanings can remove stains and discoloration, giving you a brighter, whiter smile. Your hygienist will use scaling tools to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, floss your teeth, and then clean and polish them. If you have any questions or concerns about proper brushing and flossing techniques, your hygienist can provide home care instruction and give you tips on how to keep your smile bright and your teeth and gums healthy. Preventive dental care is so important to patients’ health that some St. Petersburg dentistry practices even offer free teeth whitening as an incentive to keep patients coming back.
Schedule A Dental Appointment At Dr. Ferullo’s Office Today
Top-notch gentle dental services in St. Petersburg are just around the corner—at Dr. Ferullo’s Office, we offer comprehensive, patient-focused dental care in a welcoming environment. Whether you’re looking for a new dentist in St. Petersburg, FL or you’re a longtime patient who visits us regularly for dental checkups, our skilled and caring staff is here to help you get the care you need and deserve. Contact us today at (727) 822-8101 to schedule a dental checkup and cleaning or to learn more about the services we offer.
