Dental Visits & More
Everyone knows it is vital to brush twice a day and floss at least once a day to maintain good oral health, yet this daily routine isn’t always enough. Even with proper daily oral care it is still important to see your dentist twice a year for cleanings and exams. Dr. Philip M. Gray and his team at Canyon Park Family Dentistry strive to provide those who live in the Edmond, OK area the best in routine dental care and more.
Importance of Cleanings
When brushing and flossing are done regularly, they will help rid your mouth of food particles, harmful bacteria, and plaque build-up. Yet, there are hard-to-reach areas between teeth and at the back of your mouth that may not be getting enough attention. When plaque isn’t removed regularly, it can calcify and become tartar or calculus, which cannot be removed with brushing and flossing alone. In order for tartar to be removed, your dentist must use a specific tool to chip away the hardened plaque for a deep clean.
Tartar works in two ways: demineralizing and eating away at the enamel of your teeth to create cavities and working its way deep within your gum line until it develops into gum disease. Without regular visits, not only will tartar continue to build up, but when it starts to cause major dental concerns you may not see symptoms until it has caused irreparable damage to your teeth and gums. The exams performed during your cleaning appointment will allow your dentist to check for early signs of tooth decay and gum disease so you can work together to reverse them and get your oral health back on track.
Frequency of Dental Visits
While you should never go more than a year without seeing your dentist, it is best to go in for check-ups and cleanings about once every six months. This will help you avoid tartar buildup and give your dentist plenty of time to catch dental concerns as early as possible. If you live in Edmond, OK and would like to learn more about cleanings and exams, please contact our office today to schedule an appointment!