Why You Should See Your Dentist Twice a Year

Even if you follow an excellent dental health regimen, you still need to see your dentist every six months. During these visits, your dental hygienist cleans and polishes your teeth. X-rays may be taken and your mouth is examined for signs of disease and decay.

Why You Should See Your Dentist Twice a Year

Despite brushing and flossing, a potentially harmful bacterial film is continuously forming on the teeth and gums. This film is called plaque. Initially, plaque is sticky and colorless. It eats away at the hard, outer covering of the teeth (i.e., the enamel). Once enamel is damaged, cavities result.

If the plaque is not removed frequently enough, it hardens and is then referred to as tartar. Once plaque becomes tartar, it can only be removed by a professional dental hygienist. Left untreated, tartar can cause gum disease.

The Importance of Your Biannual Examinations

During biannual visits, your mouth is thoroughly examined. Our dental professional will check for dental problems that may not become apparent until they are more advanced. Some examples of these problems include gum disease, cavities and oral cancer.

What to Expect During Your Time with the Hygienist

The dental cleaning is usually performed before your exam. Your dental hygienist will perform a variety of tasks during this visit.

What to expect:

• A gingival pocket exam is performed to determine the depth of each pocket
• Digital diagnostics may be performed — if ordered by Dr. Tang
• Professional cleaning and polishing of your teeth
• During your professional cleaning, a special instrument is used to remove plaque and tartar from above, and below the gumline
• Once your teeth are clean, they are polished

What to Expect During Your Exam

Having your biannual cleanings and exams are essential to maintaining good oral health. During your examination, our dental professionals will look for decayed and/or cracked teeth as well as sores, growths in the mouth, oral cancer, gum disease and any other dental/oral abnormality. If an issue is discovered, treatment can be initiated.

If you reside in Lakewood, Long Beach or Carson and you need dental care, please contact Dr. Andy Tang’s office today. Whether you need a cleaning and exam or would just like to learn more about cosmetic dentistry, we can help. To make an appointment, call our office at 562.498.2354 or click here to fill out our online form.