The year is coming to an end, have you been to the dentist lately? A dental checkup is important for cleaning your teeth, but also for catching signs of dental health problems. If you’re questioning whether or not you need an end of year dental appointment, we’re here to help you with that answer. Keep reading to learn why you should try to see the dentist before you start the new year. 

The Importance of End of Year Dental Checkups 

Even if you have never had a dental issue, you still need a dental checkup. As we approach the end of the year, now is a perfect time to make sure you’re all set with good oral health for the upcoming year. No one can easily see all areas of their mouth, further, some of these areas can have underlying issues. A visit to Mountain Aire Dentistry for an end of year checkup can help you keep your mouth healthy and avoid problems.

End of year dental checkups are important, especially for those with different insurance plans. Many dental plans don’t roll over, which means the benefits you don’t use by the end of the year will expire. If you’ve paid for them, don’t let them go to waste! 

What’s Involved in a Dental Checkup 

Dental Care by Crest + Oral-B explains that there are two parts to a regular dental visit: the checkup and the cleaning. 

First, during the checkup portion, your dentist will check your mouth for cavities. They will also look for signs of excessive plaque and tartar on the teeth. If plaque and tartar aren’t removed, it can cause oral illnesses. After your teeth are looked over, your gums will then be inspected. This will be done with a tool that helps measure the depth of spaces between the teeth and gums. When your gums are healthy, the spaces will be shallow. However, when people have gum disease the spaces typically become deeper. 

To end the exam, the dentist will also examine your tongue, throat, face, head, and neck. If they notice any signs of swelling, redness, or possible signs of cancer, a deeper examination will be conducted. 

The next part of your checkup appointment is your cleaning, typically done by a dental hygienist. Your dental hygienist will use special tools to remove plaque and tartar from your mouth, which is a process known as scaling. After the scaling is complete, they will then be polished to help remove surface stains and clean the teeth. After this, the final step is your hygienist will then floss your teeth to make sure all areas of your mouth are clean. 

At-Home Dental Care 

While visiting the dentist is essential to your oral health, so is how you care for your teeth at home every other day of the year. Dear Doctor prepared a list of 10 things you can do at home for optimal oral health. Their list includes:

1. Using the right toothbrush – typically, a soft-bristled toothbrush is best. 
2. Not brushing too hard or more than twice a day – most patients don’t need to brush any more than twice a day, and it needs to be done gently. Brushing too much, or too hard, can damage your gums and the roots of your teeth. 
3. Floss once a day – to remove plaque where the toothbrush can’t reach. 
4. Limiting sugary foods – which can cause plaque and contribute to tooth decay and cavities. 
5. Use your tongue to check for clean teeth – move your tongue over the surfaces of your teeth, if it feels smooth, it’s clean. 
6. See your dentist if you notice any problems begin – such as bleeding gums, lumps, bumps, and ulcers. 
7. Don’t start bad oral health habits – like smoking, drinking excessively, biting your fingernails, and more. 
8. Use fluoride – which is extremely effective at preventing cavities. 
9. Don’t brush right after enjoying acidic drinks – acidic drinks soften the enamel and make your teeth more susceptible to damage right after you’re done drinking them. Instead, wait about 30 minutes to brush your teeth to protect your oral health. 
10. Drink water – this is a benefit for your entire health, however, keeping your mouth moist can help prevent dry mouth and risk for decay and gum disease.

Make an Appointment with Mountain Aire Dentistry

At Mountain Aire Dentistry, Dr. Chris Bockrath has experience you can trust. He is very efficient at the diagnosis of oral disease and conditions. The staff at Mountain Aire Dentistry is also trained to answer whatever question you might have! Conveniently located in Broomfield, CO, we’re here for whatever your dental end-of-the-year needs are. Call us today to make an appointment at (303)-731-7755.