Why Checkups Are Essential

Everyone knows that regular checkups are important. But why? What exactly do checkups accomplish, and why are they essential for maintaining good oral health? Keep reading to find out.

At High Desert Dental, we recommend that our patients come in for a checkup at least once every six months. During a checkup, one of our experienced dentists will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums for any signs of trouble. We’ll also clean your teeth and remove any built-up tartar or plaque.

The Importance of Clean Teeth

By removing tartar and plaque, we can help prevent gum disease, which is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. If it’s not removed, it can harden into tartar. Once tartar has formed, it can only be removed by a professional cleaning.

Tartar can irritate your gums, making them red, swollen, and tender. This can lead to gingivitis, which is an early stage of gum disease. If gingivitis is not treated, it can progress to periodontitis, which is a more serious form of gum disease. Periodontitis can lead to the loss of both bone and soft tissue supporting your teeth. In severe cases, it can even lead to tooth loss.

The Importance of X-Rays

In addition to a physical examination and cleaning, we’ll also take x-rays of your mouth during your checkup. X-rays allow us to detect problems that cannot be seen with the naked eye, such as decay between your teeth or problems with your jawbone. Identifying these problems early on allows us to treat them before they become more serious.

Contact High Desert Dental Today!

As you can see, regular checkups are essential for maintaining good oral health. If it’s been more than six months since your last visit to your Grand Junction CO dentist, call us today to schedule an appointment. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have about our checkup process and what you can expect during your appointment.