Why Should You See Your Dentist in December?

December is a month when many dental problems begin. This is because many people tend to visit their dentist only in emergency situations.

Schedule an Appointment Now

It’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with your dentist before the holidays, so if you have an issue like a cavity or loose tooth that needs attention before the year ends, you can take care of it quickly rather than putting it off until next year! Plus, it’s much easier to plan ahead for appointments when you’re already in the swing of the school year and have your routine down pat.

If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, you should schedule a visit just to make sure everything in your mouth is healthy and that you have no problems that might come up at your next appointment. Your dentist will be able to spot any problems you might miss and help prevent them from getting worse. So, schedule your checkup today, so you’re ready for the holiday season this year!

Brighten Your Stained or Discolored Teeth

If you notice your smile becoming dull, it’s time to consider teeth whitening services. While brushing and flossing your teeth at home is important, it may not be enough to prevent discoloration. Food and drink can stain teeth, so even patients who are diligent about dental care may notice their teeth becoming yellowed or brown over time.

In many cases, a professional whitening treatment is the best way to remove years of staining from smiles. When professional whitening treatments are administered, patients will enjoy dramatically whiter smiles that are healthier as well. This is because whitening treatments only affect the enamel layer of the smile, leaving the dentin beneath unaffected.

Get Checked for Oral Cancer

Many dentists are able to screen for mouth cancer during a regular checkup, so there’s nothing stopping you from getting screened this December! Oral cancer screenings are important to detect signs of the disease in its earliest stages when it can be more effectively treated. Be sure to let your dentist know if you experience any symptoms of oral or mouth cancer, like sores that refuse to heal within two weeks, bleeding from the mouth, difficulty chewing, problems moving the tongue or jaw, numbness in the cheek or lips, and loss of teeth.

You’ll Receive a Cleaning and Checkup

During your checkup, you’ll also receive a cleaning to remove plaque and bacteria that have built up on your teeth. This helps to prevent tooth decay and keep the teeth and gums healthy.

Plaque is a sticky film that forms on the teeth when food particles mix with saliva. During a cleaning, your dentist will remove built-up plaque from the surface of the teeth using special instruments. Then, they will polish them with a special paste that helps to smooth the surface and stop the buildup of new plaque.

Get in touch with Karen J Harris & Associates at 2000 Locust, St. Louis, MO 63103, or call (314) 231-4893 to learn more about dental checkups and cleanings.