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Why You Shouldn’t Skip Your Bi-Annual Dental Cleanings

You know you should visit us twice yearly for check-ups and cleanings. But sometimes, fitting those visits into your already busy schedule can seem like a big chore. And if your teeth aren’t bothering you, skipping just one visit won’t hurt anything — right?

Actually, visiting Brooklyn City Dental, located in Brooklyn, New York, every six months is essential — for your oral health and your overall health, too. Considering a dental check-up visit only takes about an hour or so, twice-yearly visits are truly a small investment that can yield significant health returns.

Not sure why bi-annual dental visits are so critical? Here are eight ways those visits can benefit you. 

#1: Spot cavities early

This is probably the most familiar reason for regular check-ups. When you see us twice each year, it gives us a chance to look for early signs of decay that can be quickly treated, before they turn into major problems that require more extensive treatments, like fillings or root canals.

#2: Check for signs of gum disease

Did you know gum disease is a leading cause of adult tooth loss? Worse, gum disease is difficult to detect in its early stages. Our team is skilled in identifying those early signs of gum disease so it can be treated.

#3: Look for signs of oral cancer

During every checkup, our team looks for signs of oral cancer — something that is difficult to do on your own. If we find a suspicious-looking area, we can take a tiny tissue sample (biopsy) for an additional evaluation.

#4: Prevent other medical problems

Research shows oral health problems like undiagnosed gum disease and decay can increase your risks of other medical problems as well, including heart disease, sleep apnea, diabetes, and lung disease. Sometimes, changes in oral health are the earliest signs of an underlying medical problem.

#5: Get help for teeth grinding and other issues

Grinding (bruxism) and teeth clenching put a lot of strain on your gums and jaws. Eventually, that added strain can cause gum recession, root damage, and tooth loss. We look for signs of grinding and clenching, then provide simple solutions to prevent damage.

#6: Improve your home care routine

During your cleaning, we’ll look for any areas where your brushing and flossing routine needs improvement. Then, we’ll offer tips and guidance to help you keep your teeth and gums healthy between visits.

#7: Eliminate hard-to-reach plaque and tartar

Of course, no matter how well you brush and floss, it can still be hard to remove hidden plaque and hard, stubborn tartar. Our team uses special tools and technology to eliminate plaque, reducing your risks of infection and gum disease.

#8: Improve your smile — and your confidence

Check-ups are a great time to talk about issues making you feel self-conscious about your teeth and smile. Our team offers state-of-the-art cosmetic dentistry options aimed at helping everyone feel great about their beautiful smiles.

Even with travel and waiting times included, twice-yearly visits take about four hours total. Considering there are 8,760 hours in every year, those visits truly are a small investment in better health. 

To schedule your routine cleaning and check-up, call our Brooklyn, New York, office or book a visit online today.

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