Vacuuming, cleaning your ceiling fans, washing your baseboards, polishing the wood floors, clearing out the garage. This is only a small portion of your spring cleaning list, but there’s something missing… your mouth! The first place you should start when decluttering and organizing your life is with yourself. Feeling good about your overall well-being will give you the energy-boost and confidence you need to tackle cleaning your home. Kick spring cleaning season off by scheduling your semi-annual checkup and cleaning with your dentist in Harrisburg. Learn about the importance of routine visits, and what to expect below.
What Happens During Your Visit?
When you call to schedule your semi-annual appointment with your dentist, you’re not only keeping up with your oral health, but also your overall health. There are typically two parts to your visit, the checkup and the cleaning. Your dentist or hygienist will help keep your oral health in check by:
- The Checkup: During this part, your dental professional will inspect your mouth for any cavities. They’ll also perform an oral cancer screening, checking for symptoms like red or white patches in your mouth or other abnormalities. If you’ve been experiencing any pain or symptoms such as loose teeth or bad breath, this is a great time to let them know. They’ll check for signs of gum disease, examine your tongue, and check your bite. If they decide that an X-ray is necessary to check if you have any hidden oral problems, they’ll do that as well.
- The Cleaning: The last part of your visit is typically your cleaning. During this time, your hygienist or dentist will use special tools to clean the plaque and tartar from below your gumline that you can’t get with a regular toothbrush. They’ll then use a prophylaxis polishing paste that’s gritty in texture to help remove any remaining plaque and surface stains. After they floss to remove any food debris, you’ll be all done.
Why is it Important to See Your Dentist Regularly?
Attending your semi-annual checkups and cleanings with your dentist not only keeps your gums and teeth healthy, but also reduces your risk of developing a serious disease. Research has linked gum disease with health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and oral cancer.
Symptoms can appear in your mouth before anywhere else on your body, so your dentist may be the one person that stands between you and a progressing illness. Your dentist catching a disease in its early stages could save your life.
What Should You Do Between Each Checkup and Cleaning?
Taking care of your teeth and gums between visits can shorten the amount of time you’re at your dentist’s office because your hygienist will have less to clean. Between your visits, it’s important to brush twice each day, floss, and rinse your mouth regularly to control harmful bacteria and tartar buildup.
This spring, being confident in your oral health can give you the peace-of-mind you need to tackle organizing the rest of your home. Decluttering your mouth of plaque and tartar can ensure your overall well-being, so don’t forget to schedule your spring cleaning with your dentist!
About the Author
Dr. Gary Klein is committed to keeping up with the latest dental advancements in technology and treatments. He looks forward to providing each of his patients with the high-quality care they deserve and treatment they trust. He offers truly comprehensive care from regular checkups and cleanings to sleep apnea treatment. For any questions or to schedule a semi-annual appointment, visit his website or contact 717-652-6644.