Brushing and flossing your teeth every day is important. But even the best at-home oral hygiene is no substitute for visiting the dentist.
Regular professional dental care helps you enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles. Your dentist offers everything from cleanings and preventive care to treatments like fillings and dental implants. Your oral health care needs are unique, but one thing is always true: Everyone needs dental exams.
At Morita Dental, Kohei Morita, DDS and our team offer top-quality dental care for the whole family. Dental exams for adults of all ages and pediatric dentistry for kids makes getting the care you need convenient.
Whether you have a baby with just a few teeth, you’re a senior with dentures, or you’re somewhere in between, it’s time to learn more about the benefits of professional dental care.
The importance of regular dental care
About half of all American adults have some degree of periodontal disease. Also called gum disease, periodontal disease is a leading cause of tooth decay and tooth loss. It’s common, but early identification and treatment can preserve the health of your teeth.
Bacteria naturally collects on teeth, and brushing and flossing at home can’t remove it all. When bacteria is left behind, it hardens into plaque and tartar. These eat away at the enamel of your teeth over time, causing tooth pain, sensitivity, and decay.
Professional dental exams include thorough cleanings to remove plaque buildup, and they’re an important time for the dentist to check your mouth for health problems. During your dental exam, Dr. Morita looks for cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. He may order X-rays to get a better look at your mouth health below your gum line.
Getting routine care allows us the opportunity to identify problems early on, when they’re most treatable. If decay is identified, we can recommend a treatment plan to stop the damage and restore strength to compromised teeth.
When to schedule your dental exams
The American Dental Association recommends that everyone get professional teeth cleanings twice a year. If you have oral health problems or you’re receiving orthodontic treatment like Invisalign, you may need to go to the dentist more often.
Your dental health care needs change as you move through life, and our team is equipped to give you the dental services you need. Babies should have their first dental exam around their first birthday, and kids may need specialized pediatric treatments like sealants or baby tooth extraction.
Adults benefit from periodontal disease prevention and treatment. If you have a missing tooth or you need an extraction, we may recommend dental implants to improve your mouth function. If you ever experience a toothache or other oral pain, don’t hesitate to make a dentist appointment.
Even if you don’t have any remaining natural teeth and you wear dentures, it’s still important to get regular dental exams. At your exam, the dentist checks the fit of your dentures and evaluates your gum and jaw to ensure you’re enjoying your best possible health.
Is it time to schedule your next dental exam? Call Morita Dental at 408-775-7770, or request an appointment online now.