FAQs About Dental Checkups in Silver Spring, MD

How do I know I should have a dental checkup?

There are several problems to look out for. If you see signs of trouble, you definitely need a dental checkup in Silver Springs, MD. Problems include:

• Sensitivity to heat and cold in specific teeth
• Bleeding gums
• Swollen or puffy gums
• Bad breath that just won’t go away
• Difficulty chewing food or swallowing food
• Pain in your mouth around teeth or gums
• A sore spot in your mouth that never heals
• Persistent dry mouth
• Swelling in your mouth, face or neck
• You don’t like how your smile looks

My teeth feel just fine and I don’t see any problems in my mouth. I brush and floss. Why should I get a dental checkup?

Problems can occur that you simply aren’t aware of. At a dental checkup in Silver Springs, MD, the dentist can spot problems early. With regular cleanings, the dental hygienist can get rid of plaque buildup in your mouth, which helps prevent problems from occurring.

How often should I come in for a dental checkup?

If you have a problem, like those mentioned above, make an appointment right away. But it makes more sense to avoid these problems in the first place. That’s why dentists strong recommend that you schedule two checkups each year. In most cases, these are covered by your dental insurance.

What happens during a dental checkup?

During your dental checkup in Silver Springs, MD, the dentist does a physical examination of your teeth, gums, mouth, face and neck. He is looking for abnormalities and signs of problems.

Since he checks for decay and gum disease, he can pinpoint problems early, before they cause major trouble. In the long run, this saves you pain, aggravation, time and money. Every two to three visits, he will probably have X-rays taken of your teeth and mouth.

The dental hygienist will clean your teeth every visit. She will scrape away plaque buildup that causes decay and gum issues.

Why should I have my teeth cleaned?

Brushing and flossing get rid of food debris and some bacteria. But it will still build up on your teeth and gums. With a professional cleaning, the hygienist can remove bacteria that you miss.

Regular cleanings reduce the chances of tooth decay and gum disease. They help you keep your natural teeth and beautiful smile for a lifetime.

My teeth feel fine but look ugly. Can the dentist help?

Yes, during your dental checkup in Silver Springs, MD, your dentist can explain the different cosmetic dentistry options available. He can help with chips, cracks, bad alignment and stained teeth. Modern dental advances like porcelain veneers, adult braces and laser whitening make it much easier to correct problems with the appearance of your teeth.