Our Dental Blog

Starting your year with a checkup and cleaning visit is crucial for keeping your smile strong! If you haven’t had your first visit of 2022 yet, then you may need to give us a call. In today’s blog, your Kansas City, MO, dentist is going to explain what makes this preventive visit so important for your oral health.

Why You Need an Exam

When you see us every six months for an exam, we will take this opportunity to carefully look at your teeth, gums, roots, and oral structures and tissues for possible signs of trouble. The earlier an issue is diagnosed, the sooner we can proceed with treatment to protect your smile’s stability. To make a diagnosis with precision and accuracy, our team will employ digital X-rays and intraoral cameras as part of this process. Issues we often look for include tooth decay and infected teeth, gingivitis and gum disease, and TMJ disorder and bruxism (teeth grinding). Our team will also screen your smile for oral cancer too. If you haven’t had an exam in several months, then please consider scheduling an appointment for one soon!

Cleanings

In addition to the checkup and diagnosis, our team will also perform a preventive procedure designed to safeguard your smile against tooth decay and gum disease, as well as bad breath and teeth stains. The cleaning involves using an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual tool to break up and remove plaque and tartar buildup with gentle vibrations. We then thoroughly polish your tooth. You not only leave with a brighter smile but a stronger and healthier one too. If you have high-risk factors for gum disease, you may benefit from one every three to four months too.

Continuing Care at Home

You should always take good care of your smile in between these visits. Daily care helps reduce the severity of plaque and tartar to reduce your risk of cavities and more. You should start each day and end it by brushing for two minutes all while using fluoride toothpaste. Every evening should also include flossing your teeth as well, as this removes what a toothbrush alone cannot reach. Be sure you also avoid tobacco products and cut back on foods high in sugar and starch. If you have any questions about how we keep smiles safe and healthy, then contact our team today to learn more.

Talk to Your Kansas City, MO Dentist About Preventive Dentistry

A bright and healthy smile is possible with a routine exam and cleaning. If you would like to learn more about our approach to preventive dentistry, contact your Kansas City, MO, dentist, Dr. Lucaci, by calling 816-427-4018.