It’s 2020! It’s not only a new year but also a new decade and a great opportunity for a new start. If you are one of the many people who want to set health goals, you can worry about staying on track consistently throughout the year. Some healthy habits, such as going to the gym and eating healthy foods, can be challenging. Well, what if you could do something beneficial for your oral and overall health only a few times a year? Other than daily brushing and flossing, visiting your dentist in Westhampton for a checkup and cleaning is the best and simplest thing you can do this year to meet your goals.
Catch Dental Problems Early
During your checkup, your dentist closely examines your entire mouth, including each individual tooth and your gum tissue. Why is this important to do on a regular basis? Oral problems, such as cavities and gum disease, can develop quickly and often don’t have noticeable symptoms until after they have already caused serious damage to your smile. However, if you have a checkup on a regular basis, these issues can be identified and treated as early as possible with less invasive procedures.
Get an Oral Cancer Screening
In addition to a general oral exam, your dentist quickly performs an oral cancer screening during these routine visits. As with tooth decay, this form of cancer often starts with subtle symptoms that can be missed by the untrained eye. As an expert in the oral cavity, your dentist can spot warning signs and help you get a diagnosis as soon as possible, increasing the odds of successful treatment.
Remove Plaque and Tartar
Another critical part of your regular, routine dental visits is a thorough teeth cleaning. Even if you brush and floss every day as recommended, little areas of plaque can build up over time. If allowed to remain there, plaque hardens into tartar, which is difficult to remove without professional tools. Your hygienist gets rid of these deposits, preventing issues from occurring down the road.
Protect Your Smile
After your cleaning, the dental team will likely apply a concentrated fluoride treatment to your teeth. This mineral fortifies tooth enamel against bacteria and acids, helping it resist decay. Receiving this treatment frequently ensures that your natural teeth are better protected in between visits. Also, you can use this appointment to talk to your dentist about any procedures or dental work that you’re interested in pursuing, such as porcelain veneers, Invisalign, or sleep apnea treatment.
As you begin this new year and a new decade, you can implement little things into your lifestyle to keep your smile going strong. With just a few visits to the dentist, along with daily oral hygiene, you can ensure your long-term oral and overall health for years to come.
About the Practice
At Beach Dental, Dr. Alexis Gersten and Dr. Jason Parli encourage families and individuals to have dental checkups and cleanings regularly. During these appointments, they spend time to get to know patients personally, build long-lasting relationships, and offer services that help patients achieve their smile goals. If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Gersten or Dr. Parli, you can contact Beach Dental.