Having a smile you can be proud of is something everyone strives for. A smile is, after all, the first thing anyone notices about you when you first meet a person. However, to have a healthy smile that looks and feels fresh and dazzling requires care. Dr. Glen Stephenson at Prevention Dental offers the solution necessary to help your smile, and the answer is the title of our dental office: Prevention. Taking care of your smile can be as simple as 1-2-3! With proper oral care at home and ensuring you visit us for regular dental exams, we can help all our patients in Boise and Meridian, Idaho, maintain their beautiful smiles.
When it comes to dental exams, it can be an exhausting thought, especially when so many do not wish to have to go to the dentist twice a year just to be told what is wrong or good with their smiles. However, dental exams are an essential part of taking care of your smile and ensuring your teeth and gums are in the best health. If you are unsure if dental exams are worth it, read on! We will go over the importance of dental exams and how they can benefit you and your smile for years to come.
Preventative Dentistry and Dental Exams
Preventative dentistry involves taking care of your teeth through proper oral hygiene practices. The goal is to prevent dental problems from occurring rather than waiting for issues to arise and then treating them. Dental exams are a standard part of preventative care and provide you and Dr. Glen Stephenson with the tools necessary to know where your oral health is. At our office, we will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums, ensuring your smile is healthy, and afterward, we will clean your teeth.
The Importance of Regular Dental Exams
Regular dental exams are essential to maintaining good oral health as they allow for early detection of dental issues. Early detection of dental issues is crucial because, in most cases, dental problems don’t cause pain or discomfort until they’ve become severe. Dr. Glen Stephenson can detect issues like cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer during routine exams, which makes early treatment more effective and less costly.
What to Expect During a Dental Exam
During a dental exam, Dr. Glen Stephenson will thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, and soft tissues to check for signs of decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. He may also take X-rays to check for hidden issues like tooth decay or impacted teeth. Dental exams are typically painless, and if there are any concerns, he will discuss them with you and create a customized treatment plan.
How Often Should You Schedule A Dental Exam?
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends scheduling dental exams every six months or more often if your dentist recommends it. The frequency of exams depends on factors such as age, current oral health, and any underlying medical conditions. If you’re experiencing any tooth pain or discomfort, it’s essential to schedule an appointment with Dr. Glen Stephenson as soon as possible.
Tip For Maintaining Good Oral Health
There are several things you can do to maintain good oral health and reduce your risk of dental problems. These include:
- Brushing Your Pearly Whites: Ever since childhood, we were constantly told to brush our teeth. It can seem like a chore having to brush your teeth, and at times, downright boring. However, brushing your teeth is essential to ensuring a healthy smile. Ensure you brush your teeth twice daily for at least two minutes each. We strongly encourage our patients to use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen their smile during their regular oral health care routine. If you struggle to brush your teeth, you can try changing it up, like getting an electric toothbrush or a new flavor of toothpaste, or you can turn on some music and dance while brushing your teeth.
- Flossing Daily: We encourage you to floss your teeth every day, at least once. Flossing your teeth can help to ensure you reach every part of your smile, especially between the gaps that your toothbrush cannot reach.
- Diet: No one likes being told what they can and cannot eat. However, we will still encourage a healthy diet for your body and your smile. Try eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and try to eat less sugary goods. You can still enjoy a treat every once in a while, but ensure you are doing so in moderation. Your smile will thank you if you do!
- Tobacco: Smoking, chewing, vaping, none of it is healthy for you, and it’s not just your body that is suffering. Smoking or chewing will cause severe yellowing of your teeth and decay. Work to avoid tobacco products, and if you need help quitting, several options are available that can help you and your overall health!
- Water: Like a leaky faucet, the flow of being told to drink plenty of water will never stop. Be sure you drink plenty of water to ensure a healthy smile and body! Drink 6-8 cups a day to ensure your body is getting the amount of fluids necessary.
- Visiting the Dentist: Ensuring you see our dentist for a dental exam and cleaning in Boise and Meridian, Idaho, will help you in your oral health journey, as dental exams are vital to ensuring your smile stays healthy.
Benefits of Dental Exams
Regular dental exams are an essential part of preventive dentistry and can save you a lot of pain and money in the long run.
Preventing Tooth Decay: Regular dental exams are an excellent way to help detect tooth decay and cavities early on, enabling prompt treatment to prevent the situation from worsening. Our excellent dentist and his team can also clean the stubborn tartar build-up, which regular brushing and flossing cannot reach.
Preventing Gum Disease: Gum disease can cause dental issues like the onset of cavities, gum recession, and tooth loss. Regular dental exams help monitor oral health and prevent these issues by removing tartar build-up and tracking gum health.
Preventing Oral Cancer: Oral cancer can be detected early through regular dental exams, giving you a higher chance of successful treatment. Since early signs of oral cancer can be challenging to identify, it is essential to have regular checkups with Dr. Stephenson.
Saving Money: Preventative dental care is less costly in the long run than fixing major dental issues that could have been prevented. Dr. Stephenson can detect potential problems early before they become more severe, making a considerable difference in dental treatment costs.
Overall Good Health: Regular dental visits are part of good health practices. Dental exams can also uncover other underlying medical conditions that show up orally, such as diabetes, anemia, or even heart disease.
Dental Exams in Boise and Meridian, ID
Taking care of your smile is essential to ensuring your smile is healthy and your entire body. With dental exams, we can guarantee your smile is healthy, and we can catch any issues before they worsen, allowing you to receive the proper treatment and save money. Dental exams are more than just a ‘checkup.’ They are a means of caring for your teeth and gums and maintaining your smile.
Take care of your pearly whites with a proper oral hygiene care routine at home, and schedule your dental exam with Dr. Glen Stephenson at Prevention Dental today! Your smile – and wallet – will thank you!