Often, our Woodland Hills, CA, patients that brush and floss regularly assume that routine homecare makes checkups and cleanings unnecessary. However, even if you care for your smile at home as you should, you still need preventive visits. In today’s blog, we’re talking about the importance of these routine visits.

Try Our Quiz on Exams and Cleanings

1. True or False: Checkups allow us to identify problems early on.
2. True or False: A visit is necessary every six months.
3. True or False: Cleanings remove plaque and tartar.
4. True or False: Having your teeth cleaned fights bad breath.

Answer Key

1. True. During your routine checkup, we will employ advanced technology, such as intraoral cameras and digital x-rays, to obtain a detailed picture of your oral health. The images allow us to look for signs of wear and friction that indicate TMJ disorder or bruxism, as well as signs of cavities or infection. We look for bone loss and receding gums, which could signal the presence of gingivitis or gum disease. We also watch for changes to oral tissues, such as sore places or lesion, that may point to oral cancer.
2. True. A visit every six months allows us to watch over your smile, catching these problems in the earliest stages. As a result, they can be treated with fillings and oral appliances, or allow you to be referred to a specialist, before they grow worse and impact your overall health.
3. True. Brushing and flossing limit how much plaque forms on your teeth, but only a cleaning removes plaque and tartar buildup. Removing the buildup reduces the risk of tooth decay, gingivitis, and gum disease.
4. True. By removing plaque buildup, a dental cleaning also freshens breath and helps brighten your smile as well.

Talk To Woodland Hills Dental Arts About Exams

Preventive visits help improve the health and function of your smile. Schedule a consultation by calling Woodland Hills Dental Arts in Woodland Hills, CA, today at (818) 347-5124. We also proudly work with patients from Thousand Oaks, Westlake, Encino, Sherman Oaks, and all other surrounding areas.