Routine Dental Checkups for Cavity Prevention

A dental checkup or exam is a very important part of preventive health care. Regular dental visits allow your dentist to treat and prevent oral health problems. Catching problems early makes it much easier to manage them. Dental checkups can help you avoid cavities and many other dental problems. It is advisable to visit your family dentist near Buford two times every year or as recommended. Read on to find out how regular dental checkups can help prevent cavities and tooth decay.

Dental checkup

A cavity is basically a hole that forms in someone’s tooth. Cavities often start small. If left untreated, they gradually become bigger. Many cavities usually do not cause pain in the beginning, making it harder to realize there is a problem. Tooth cavities are usually caused by plaque, which is a combination of bacteria, food particles, saliva, and acid.

Cavities, plaque, and tartar

While brushing and flossing regularly is very important, these can still miss small areas in the mouth. When plaque builds up, it often becomes more difficult to remove. It can solidify and turn into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental provider. Regular dental cleanings prevent tartar from creating holes in teeth or eroding them. These cleanings usually allow a dental provider to take care of plaque and tartar before they become destructive.

What to expect

A dental checkup is very beneficial for cavity prevention. A dental checkup or exam will include a thorough cleaning, X-rays on specific visits, and a checkup of the mouth. During a cleaning, the dental provider will scrape the teeth to get rid of plaque and tartar around the gumline and in between the teeth. Another important step of the cleaning process is the application of a fluoride foam or gel to the teeth. Fluoride is widely used because it prevents tooth decay that can lead to cavities. A fluoride treatment is used as a protectant for the teeth to help fight against cavities for a couple of months.

Dental X-rays are images that can show gum disease, cavities, and other problems that are difficult to see by just looking at the mouth. X-rays may be taken during the dental checkup, but they are not needed at every dental visit. The dentist will consider various factors to determine how often X-rays are needed. These include the risk of developing cavities. During the dentist’s checkup, the provider will check X-rays for cavities and other issues. If a patient has a cavity, the individual may have to schedule another appointment with the dentist to treat it.

Takeaway

Visiting your dentist for professional cleanings and regular oral exams can help prevent cavities and other problems or to detect them early. Good dental hygiene can help you avoid tooth decay and cavities. During a dental exam, your dentist will clean your teeth and check for cavities and other issues. If you have gum disease, cavities, or other problems, your dentist will talk to you about the next steps. Your dentist will also explain what needs to be done and all the available options. If you have questions about how cavities are treated, speak to your dentist today.

Request an appointment here: https://buforddentist.com or call North Atlanta Center for Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry at (770) 932-1115 for an appointment in our Buford office.

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