Some people wonder, “Do I really need to see the dentist twice a year?” They say just brushing and flossing should be enough. Massapequa dentists, Drs. Dory and Khalida Stutman, maintain that good dental health needs periodic maintenance. So, they prevent problems with dental treatments that ensure teeth and gums are healthy and strong. Learn here about semi-annual exams and cleanings.
The Routine Oral Exam
Patients from toddlers through adults in their senior years should see their dentist in Massapequa every six months or more frequently as needed. Dr. Dory Stutman and Dr. Khalida Stutman believe that regular check-ups and hygienic cleanings at South Shore Dental Care prevent tooth decay and gum disease from ruining tooth enamel and destroying gum tissue and underlying bone.
Additionally, Dr. Stutman checks every patient’s mouth for signs of oral cancer–a frequently hidden and potentially fatal disease that affects over 45,000 adults each year in the United States. Detected in its earliest stages, oral cancer can be successfully treated; so routine screening is very important.
Also, a semi-annual dental exam includes:
- Assessment for TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction
- Check for misaligned bite
- Assessment of existing restorations such as dental fillings, crowns, and bridgework
- Inspection for tooth decay
- Measurement of gum pockets to check for gingivitis and more advanced periodontitis
- Digital x-rays, as needed, to look for decay in more hidden areas and to inspect underlying bone and root structure
Finally, a friendly hygienist cleans a patient’s teeth during a six-month visit. She gently removes the sticky plaque and hard tartar that accumulate in interdental spaces and under the gum line. This is the biofilm that at-home brushing and flossing cannot reach. It harbors oral bacteria that secrete damaging acids and that infect gums. When teeth and gums are free of plaque and tartar, they thrive and are less prone to serious dental issues.
Plus, research shows that oral health and overall health are linked. What a dentist sees in a patient’s mouth often reveals what’s happening elsewhere in the body. Periodontal, or gum, disease correlates with:
- Type-2 Diabetes
- Stroke
- High blood pressure
- Heart attack
- Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Low birth weight infants
- Kidney and liver disease
A Treatment Plan Protects Your Well-being
The dentist addresses immediate needs and also aesthetic goals. The doctor writes an individualized treatment plan. This can include necessary restorations, such as gum disease therapy or fillings, and aesthetic treatments, such as teeth whitening and porcelain veneers. Other preventive measures, such as mouthguards to protect against tooth-grinding and sealants and fluoride treatments to ward off decay, are often incorporated.
Prevention is Necessary
Be sure to keep on brushing and flossing daily as recommended by the American Dental Association. Also, schedule a dental exam and cleaning at South Shore Dental Care. The expertise and care of the dedicated team will keep you smiling and healthy.