See a Dentist in North Sarasota to Start the New Year Right

Many people still believe that dental visits aren’t necessary if they don’t have any current dental issues. Ironically enough, those that carry this mentality are actually at higher risk of needing treatments for decay and gum disease compared to those who see a dentist in North Sarasota regularly. This is because allowing a trained professional to evaluate your oral health is the best way to catch problems before they turn into emergencies.

The Final Step in Preventing Decay and Gum Disease

A majority of your preventive oral care requires you to brush twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste and flossing once a day. But that doesn’t mean these two acts alone will be enough to prevent all dental disease. Routine checkups confirm important aspects about your oral care. Cleanings work to remove hardened forms of plaque known as tartar (or calculus), which can only be done via special tools found in a dental office.

Since your at-home care can only go so far, you can’t really say that your oral care regimen is complete until you’ve committed to biannual visits. If there’s any resolution that’s easy to fulfil, this is definitely one of them. To make life easier, schedule your first visit at the beginning of the year so that your next visit falls in the summer months. Since many people tend to take vacation around this time, it’s perfect to schedule time off work and get your second visit of the year out of the way.

A Way To Catch Bad Habits

When it comes to checkups, there are many signs that dentists take into consideration. For example, dentists always check that your bite is even before you leave the office. Uneven bites can cause disproportionate amounts of stress to your oral structures, including your jaw joints.

Furthermore, dentists are trained to catch chronic conditions that can help you prevent future dental emergencies. A common condition called bruxism, also known as chronic teeth grinding, can lead to permanently eroded and even cracked teeth. In this instance, the dentist can offer you a nightguard which protects your teeth from grinding and clenching, especially while you sleep.

Checking for More Than Your Teeth and Gums

Dentists have been increasingly emphasizing the importance of oral health and its relation to systemic health. When it comes to regular checkups, dentist can catch way more than just tooth decay, gum disease, chronic conditions and poor habits. They can also catch the early signs of oral cancer, whether it be in the tongue, cheeks, jaw or lymph nodes. The sooner they find an abnormality, the sooner they can get you started on treatment and improve your outcome.

In conclusion, dental checkups and cleanings matter in the new year just as much as they did in previous years. Schedule your next appointment to start the year off right!

About the Author

Dr. Warren G. Hoffman earned his DDS degree from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. He understands the direct link oral health has to the rest of your body and makes sure to keep this connection in mind when providing effective preventive care. To learn more about his treatments, including oral cancer screenings and protective dental devices, you can contact him through his website.