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December is the last month of the year. This is the month when your yearlong dental plan expires. December is also the month when your dentist can evaluate your dental condition.

Importance of Seeing Your Dentist 

Visiting the dentist every six months is the fastest way to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile. Twice-a-year visits can help prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and plaque buildup. These simple appointments also give your dental team the opportunity to screen you for oral cancer and other serious medical conditions. When you come in for your dental checkup, our dentist thoroughly examines your teeth to check for any signs of trouble. If any decay or cavities are found, they can be treated and repaired before they have a chance to get worse and cause real damage. With proper at-home care, no more than two cleanings a year are typically necessary to maintain excellent oral health.

Oral Cancer Screening

It’s not the best kind of surprise to receive from your dentist, but an oral cancer screening can save your life. Catching this disease in its earliest stages provides the best chance for complete recovery. Plus, oral cancer treatments are usually very effective.

The American Cancer Society estimates that around 53,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer this year alone. Early detection is key to beating this dangerous disease. During your annual checkup, we will carefully inspect your mouth for any signs of abnormal cells. If we find warning signs, we may recommend additional screenings to find out more and determine whether you need immediate treatment. We will also be able to catch many types of cancer early on when patients come into the office for a cleaning and checkup. However, if you experience any sores or lesions in your mouth, it’s important to call us right away for an appointment. Swollen lymph nodes in the neck could be another sign of cancer in the mouth.

Cavity Prevention

Patients of all ages should visit their dentist for a professional cleaning at least twice a year, but it is especially important for patients who receive dental treatments throughout the year. This is because patients usually receive some kind of restorative treatment during a dental appointment, such as a filling or crown. These treatments can leave teeth with imperfections that are difficult to remove at home. This is why it is beneficial to ask your dentist about scheduling an appointment before the holidays begin. The holidays can be a hectic time, and many patients forget to schedule an appointment until it is too late. However, when you schedule an appointment with your dentist in advance, you can ensure that your teeth are sparkling white and ready to go for any holiday parties or family events.

Regular visits to the dentist are the best way to prevent serious oral health issues. If you’re interested to learn more, call our dentist today to schedule a consultation. You can call us at (209) 554-1700 or visit our clinic located at 1317 Oakdale Rd Suite 310, Modesto, California 95355.