Many families tend to spend a lot of their time indoors during the holiday season. With school breaks, family activities, and special events, it can be easy for cavities and oral health concerns to go unnoticed. At Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Year, we encourage you to make it a priority to schedule dental checkups and cleanings for the whole family.

Checkups and X-rays

During your checkup, your dentist will take a look at your teeth to check for any potential problems and start planning treatments if needed. This typically includes an oral cancer screening and a periodontal inspection.

Along with a thorough examination of your mouth, your dentist will also take X-rays of your teeth and jaw to get a detailed view of your entire smile. This will help them identify potential issues that may be hiding between teeth and under your gums. When they’re able to catch a problem early on, your treatment will be less invasive, more successful, and more affordable in the long run. Plus, catching problems early also prevents them from getting worse over time.

In addition to regular checkups, it’s important to have a professional cleaning about every six months. These appointments are important because they provide a deep clean for your smile. At these visits, your dental hygienist will remove all of the plaque and buildup that has accumulated on the surface of your teeth, as well as the nooks and crannies of your teeth and gums that your toothbrush can’t reach. (Because bacteria feed on sugar, you’ll typically see the most buildup on your teeth around mealtimes.) Professional cleanings also polish the surface of your teeth to prevent future staining and remove surface stains from things like coffee, tea, wine, or cigarettes.

Treating Minor Problems Before They Become Major Issues

Now that the holiday season is in full swing don’t let your oral health fall to the wayside. The holiday season can be full of temptations like candy and soda that can easily increase your risk for cavities. That’s why it’s the perfect time to schedule an appointment with your dentist to get checked out and cleaned. This makes sure that any problems are treated in a timely manner so that they don’t worsen during the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Plus, it makes your smile bright and beautiful just in time for all those holiday photos!

Call Alta View Dental in Sandy, UT, 84094, at (801) 572-4261 to know more about our dental treatments. Our team will work with you and create a customized plan to meet your individual needs.