What Happens if You Skip Your Annual Cleaning?

Life is busy, so finding time for routine dental appointments can be hard. But what really happens if you miss your twice-a-year appointment? Here is a closer look at what might happen.

Missed Oral Cancer Screenings

One of the things your dentist does at your preventive checkup is screen for oral cancer. Because you can’t see inside your own mouth easily, these types of cancer often go undetected until they’ve progressed. Early detection is key, so your bi-annual visit is essential!

Increased Tartar Build-up

No matter how good you are at brushing and flossing, some tartar is going to build up over time. It’s just the nature of dental care. Professional cleaning gets that tartar and plaque off of your teeth and protects against tooth decay and gum disease, both of which are common if you don’t address tartar quickly.

Increased Risk of Periodontal Disease

Even skipping just one cleaning can lead to an increased risk of gingivitis. Skipping more than one can lead to an increased risk of more serious gum disease. Gum disease can increase your risk for a wide range of health conditions, and you can avoid all of these simply by keeping your dental cleaning.

Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth and gum sensitivity problems can get worse without cleaning. When plaque and tartar build-up on your teeth, it can cause inflamed gums. It can also cause gum recession, which can expose the root and nerve. This makes your teeth more sensitive.

As you read through this list, the need for oral health screenings and cleanings becomes clear. If you’re overdue for a cleaning, reach out to Brandon Dental Care, your Riverview, FL, dentist, to schedule one today.

Why Should I See the Dentist Every Six Months?

Do you go to the dentist in Brandon and Riverview, FL, every six months? If not, you should. Preventative dental care from your dentist can help you take good care of your teeth and gums. Your dentist is your partner in taking care of your teeth! In this article, we’ll talk about why you should see the dentist every six months.

Dental Exams Catch Problems In Their Early Stages

Dental exams are an important part of preventative dental care. When you go to the dentist for a dental exam, a dental professional will look at your teeth for cavities, cracks in your tooth enamel, dental infection, gum disease, and more. If your dentist notices signs of one of these problems, they will recommend a treatment plan to stop the problem before it becomes serious.

The longer between dental cleanings, the more time dental problems have to spread. This can lead to complications and expensive dental procedures.

Dental Cleanings Remove Plaque and Tartar

During dental cleanings, the dental professional will use special tools to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. Plaque and tartar contribute to cavities, gum recession, and gum disease. Cleaning your teeth can help protect you from these problems.

At-Home Dental Care Isn’t Enough On Its Own

Hopefully, you’re brushing and flossing your teeth at home. Even if you are, this isn’t enough to keep your teeth clean and healthy. Going to the dentist for preventative care, like a dental exam and cleaning in Brandon and Riverview, FL, can help you take care of your teeth.

Is it time to see the dentist? Contact us to make an appointment today.

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Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures to Brighten Your Smile

Do you want to have a beautiful smile? Are you frustrated with the appearance of your teeth? You can help with cosmetic dentistry procedures that make your teeth look even, straight, and pearly white. In this article, we’ll talk about the cosmetic dentistry procedures that patients in Riverview and Brandon, FL, are seeking for their teeth.

Dental Veneers

A dental veneer is a thin wafer-shaped cover that can be glued to the front of your teeth. Dental veneers don’t provide structural support, but they’re designed to hide imperfections and cosmetic problems like stains, gaps, chips, and breaks in the tooth.

To make space for a dental veneer to be installed, the dentist must first remove some tooth enamel. Then, the dental veneer is adhered to the front of the tooth. Once installed, the dental veneer must remain attached to the tooth to protect the enamel. Dental veneers provide a permanent solution to patients who want to beautify their teeth.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a white composite resin that’s attached to the front of a tooth to hide imperfections like stains, gaps, chips, and breaks. This sounds a lot like dental veneers, right?

Dental bonding is similar to dental veneers except for one big difference: no tooth enamel is removed to make dental bonding possible. Eventually, bonding will chip away. When this happens, your dentist can replace dental bonding easily.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth can become stained with time. Teeth whitening services can whiten and brighten your tooth enamel. Teeth whitening with the dentist is fast, efficient, and long-lasting.

Are you interested in cosmetic dentistry in Riverview and Brandon, FL? If so, call the dentists at Brandon Dental Care today.

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5 Restorative Dentistry Services to Fix Your Teeth

Damaged and injured teeth cause problems. Damaged teeth can lead to pain, difficulty eating and speaking, and even dental infection. Restorative dentistry from your dentist in Brandon and Riverview, FL, can help. At Brandon Dental Care, we provide restorative dentistry services to patients with broken, damaged, and missing teeth.

1. Cavity Fillings

Cavities are small, painful holes in the tooth enamel. Cavities are caused by tooth decay. A sugary diet, poor oral hygiene habits, and bacteria in the mouth can all contribute to cavities. If you have a cavity, your dentist will fill it with an amalgam or composite filling to restore your tooth and stop the decay from progressing.

2. Dental Implants

A dental implant is an artificial tooth that can replace a missing permanent tooth. Dental implants are permanently installed in the jaw and function like real teeth. Dental implants look natural, so your smile will look whole again once the implant is in place.

3. Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cover customized to fit your mouth and protect your tooth enamel. Dental crowns are helpful when a tooth is severely damaged. Dental crowns are put in place after a root canal.

4. Dentures

If you’re missing multiple teeth, dentures can fill the holes with artificial teeth. Dentures can replace all your teeth or just a few.

5. Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is an artificial tooth held in place with two crowns on either side of the dental bridge. To install a bridge, your dentist will shave down the healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth, then the bridge is installed.

If you’re missing a tooth or you have a damaged tooth, your dentist can help. At Brandon Dental Care, we provide restorative dentistry in Brandon and Riverview, FL. Call today to make an appointment.