Brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day is an excellent way to help protect them against issues like tooth decay and gum disease, but it is not the only part to a healthy hygiene routine. As vigilant as we can be against plaque buildup and left-behind food debris, there is always a possibility of leaving a little something behind that can affect your oral health. Luckily, there’s hope. Your Dallas dentist Dr. Truong explains the importance and benefits of attending your six-month dental checkup and cleaning.

That Extra-Clean Feeling

When plaque is allowed to remain on your teeth for more than 48 hours, it calcifies, or hardens, into tartar. No matter how persistent you are, brushing your teeth will not suffice to remove tartar. At your Dallas dental checkup and cleaning, Dr. Truong or our talented hygienist will carefully remove residual traces of plaque and tartar, including under the gumline. Often, tartar will accumulate where your tooth meets your gums, and irritate your gums enough to separate from the tooth. This separation creates pockets where bacteria can collect and cause infection. Removing the tartar from under the gums allows the connective tissue to heal and helps prevent gum disease and tooth loss.

A Healthy Mouth for a Healthy Body

Going the extra mile to keep your mouth clean can also help keep you in excellent physical health. Studies have shown that there is a definitive association between the health of your mouth and your overall wellbeing. The oral-systemic connection outlines the relationship between oral health issues, including gum disease, and systemic health issues such as diabetes and heart disease. The connection is of special importance given the fact that over 75% of Americans have mild to severe gum disease. Aside from cleaner teeth, your dental checkup also allows Dr. Truong to thoroughly inspect your mouth for signs of oral infection and disease. Detecting gum disease early significantly increases your chances of successfully treating the condition.

To fully benefit from the added protection of a dental checkup, visit our office at least once every six months. To find out more about the benefits of your six-month dental checkup, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Truong, call Viva Dental in Dallas today at (214) 337-7800. If you live in Richardson, subscribe to this blog to learn when our Richardson office opens!