Can you remember the last time you saw Dr. Stampe? If you can’t, then chances are you’re overdue for a dental checkup. The American Dental Association recommends twice yearly checkups for you and each member of the family. All of us at CityLine Dental Center think that’s a great idea. Why? Because your Richardson dentist and her team believe that these regularly scheduled appointments can be your key to a bright smile and better overall health.
Teeth Cleaning for You and Your Smile
Isn’t it enough that you brush your teeth everyday with fluoride toothpaste and that you floss, too? To tell you the truth—no, that really isn’t good enough. First of all, reaching all the surfaces of your teeth with your own hands is a tough job. For one of our dental hygienists, however, that is the job they are trained to do. They use a special rotary brush to power away debris and surface stains, and they check each tooth for signs of decay or cracking.
In addition, the hygienist concentrates on removing plaque and bits of tartar. Plaque is that clear and sticky film that accumulates in your mouth all day. (Run your tongue along your front teeth and if you feel any rough spots that’s plaque.) Tartar is calcified plaque. You can get rid of plaque with brushing and flossing, but only the hygienist can remove tartar once it has hardened on your teeth.
Remove Tartar at Your Dental Checkup
What’s so bad about tartar? Hiding inside both plaque and tartar are the bacteria that can lead to gum disease. This bacterial infection can quickly begin to damage periodontal tissue, as well as the connective tissue and bone structure that support your teeth. Consequences include swollen and bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, receding gums, loose teeth and ultimately tooth loss due to advanced periodontitis.
Beyond the confines of your mouth, the bacteria that initiate gum disease can travel to other parts of the body, leading to a number of different maladies such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, pneumonia and dementia. Therefore, preventing gum disease with regular dental checkups can be a major factor in helping you avoid other health issues.
Oral Cancer Screening at Your Dental Checkup
A dental checkup also includes an oral cancer screening. Dr. Stampe will visually examine all of the soft tissue in your mouth to check for signs like a red patch or a scaly area. She’ll also palpate your neck and jaw to find any swelling. Fortunately, oral cancer is a highly treatable and curable disease when discovered early.
Contact Our Office Today
For the sake of your smile as well as your general well being, you really should see your Richardson dentist Dr. Stampe for regular dental checkups. Call our office and we’ll be glad to schedule an appointment at your convenience.