As the crisp air and vibrant colors of fall settle in, it’s the perfect time to think about more than just pumpkin spice and cozy sweaters. With the busy holiday season approaching, scheduling a fall dental cleaning at Pickett Family Dental in Keller, TX, can ensure your smile is in top shape for all those family gatherings and festive events. A fall dental cleaning is more than just a routine check-up; it’s an essential part of maintaining your oral health as you transition into the colder months.

Why Fall Is the Perfect Time for a Dental Cleaning

Fall is an ideal time to focus on your dental health for several reasons. First, as the year winds down, many people have met their insurance deductibles, making it the perfect opportunity to take advantage of any remaining dental benefits before they expire. If you’ve been putting off a dental visit, a fall cleaning can help you maximize your insurance coverage and prevent any out-of-pocket surprises.

Additionally, the holiday season is right around the corner, bringing with it an abundance of sweet treats and sugary foods. A professional dental cleaning can remove plaque and tartar buildup, reducing your risk of cavities and gum disease just in time for those indulgent holiday feasts. Starting the season with a clean, healthy mouth can also help you avoid dental emergencies that could interfere with your holiday plans.

Fall is also a great time to establish good oral health habits before the New Year. By scheduling a cleaning now, you can get personalized advice from our dental professionals on maintaining your oral hygiene throughout the holidays and into the winter months. Whether it’s tips on brushing and flossing or recommendations for products that suit your needs, a fall cleaning sets the stage for a healthy, bright smile.

Time for Fall Dental Cleanings

Fall or Autumn is finally arriving and the weather is going to begin changing for the colder and wetter here in North Texas. School is back in session and many of our patients are getting back into the normal routines before the seasonal holidays of Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Get in to see Dr. Tyson Pickett, DDS FAGD for a dental cleaning and exam to ensure your teeth and gums are ready for the bombardment of amazingly tasty meals in the upcoming months.

Fall Dental Cleaning

What to Expect During Your Fall Dental Cleaning

At Pickett Family Dental, we make your dental cleaning experience thorough, comfortable, and effective. Here’s what you can expect when you come in for your fall dental cleaning:

  • Oral Exam: Before the cleaning begins, our dental hygienist will perform a comprehensive oral exam to check for any signs of decay, gum disease, or other dental issues. Early detection of these problems is key to preventing more serious complications down the road.
  • Professional Cleaning: The cleaning process involves removing plaque and tartar from your teeth, especially in hard-to-reach areas that regular brushing and flossing might miss. Our hygienist will use specialized tools to gently scrape away tartar, followed by polishing your teeth to remove surface stains and leave your smile shining.
  • Periodontal Evaluation: Healthy gums are essential to overall oral health, which is why we include a periodontal evaluation in every cleaning. This helps us identify any early signs of gum disease and provide recommendations for treatment if needed.
  • Fluoride Treatment (Optional): For added protection against cavities, a fluoride treatment can be applied at the end of your cleaning. This quick and painless step strengthens your tooth enamel and helps prevent decay.
  • Oral Health Advice: Finally, we’ll provide you with personalized advice on maintaining your oral health at home. This might include tips on proper brushing and flossing techniques, dietary recommendations, or advice on the best oral care products for your needs.

Why is it important to visit the dentist before the upcoming holiday meals?

At each dental cleaning we always check to see that your entire oral health is doing well and that there aren’t any orange or red flags that have popped up that we need to take care of. By checking on your teeth, gums, and mouth, we’re able to see quite a few possible issues that could cause problems during the upcoming months of autumn. These include:

Orange Flags

  • Plaque Buildup – When plaque collects on teeth it hardens into tartar, also called dental calculus, on your teeth which can lead to serious gum disease.
  • Sensitive Teeth – Tooth sensitivity, or “dentin hypersensitivity,” is exactly what it sounds like: pain or discomfort in the teeth as a response to certain stimuli, such as hot or cold.
  • Implant or Denture Problems – Dental implants can cause complications, such as infections, gum recession, and nerve and tissue damage.
  • Braces Fits
    • Overcrowding and Spacing
    • Misaligned Jaw
    • Overbites and Underbites
    • Open Bites
    • Periodontal Problems
    • Unmatched Dental Midlines
    • Issues with Chewing and Speech
    • Self-Esteem Issues Related to Misaligned Teeth
  • Canker Sores – Canker sores are oval shaped herpetiform sores that look like ugly blisters. They typically have a white or yellow center with a red order that forms inside the mouth, under the tongue, or on the inside of cheeks and lips.
  • Bad Breath – Halitosis, commonly known as bad breath can result from poor dental healthcare and maintenance or even be a sign of other health problems. For some, bad breath is caused by a dietary issue of a diet filled with unhealthy habits.
  • Dry Mouth – Dry mouth or Xerostomia is a condition where your mouth produces a deficient volume of saliva. This effect on the salivary gland can be a perfect opportunity for bacteria to grow.
  • Sleep Apnea – Sleep apnea is a potentially serious health and life-threatening condition where your breathing starts and stops sporadically during sleep. We offer sleep apnea treatment at Pickett Family Dental in Keller, TX.
  • Wisdom Teeth Removal – Typically wisdom teeth extraction happens between the ages of 15 and 25 and is recommended if you have any of the following issues with them.
  • Wisdom Teeth Sensitivity – While wisdom teeth don’t always need to be removed so long as they are positioned properly in the mouth and are not causing pain, there are some common reasons people choose to have their wisdom teeth extracted. Impacted teeth and crowding of teeth within the mouth is the most common cause for wisdom tooth extraction. This can be associated with or without pain, depending upon the pressure on the molars and other teeth as the wisdom teeth come in.
  • Loose Filling – Wondering what you should do if your tooth filling falls out? First thing to keep in mind is to relax and stay calm. Fillings can fall out and it’s not uncommon, although it can be quite surprising. If it happens while eating and you feel something hard that shouldn’t be there, just be sure not to accidentally swallow it. Now that you’re past the scary part, the next step is simple: Call the Dentist.
  • Bruxism – Grinding your teeth (a.k.a. Bruxism) is fairly common for many people and while if it only happens on occasion it’s not detrimental. Grinding your teeth frequently though can cause damage to the teeth and other oral health complications.

Red Flags

  • Oral Cancer – Oral cancer isn’t a laughing matter and it should be screened for regularly. Oral cancer overall has a 60% five year survival rate, but a 70 – 90% if caught within stages 1 a 2. What causes problems with oral cancer is that it can easily spread to the following locations:
    • The tongue
    • The roof of the mouth and under the tongue
    • The inside of the cheeks
    • The oropharynx (the area anterior to the soft palate)
    • The salivary glands
    • The lips
  • Autoimmune Disease – Two fairly common autoimmune diseases that come to mind that affect your oral health are Lupus and Sjören’s Syndrome.
  • Loose Teeth – If you have a child with a loose tooth working on getting their adult teeth, no one worries. However, if you’re an adult with a loose tooth, it’s normal to be concerned as that is a sign of extensive dental problems that typically include other symptoms as well. If you develop a loose tooth as a teenager or adult, you may also have the following symptoms:
    • bleeding gums
    • gum recession
    • inflamed gums
    • swollen gums
  • Cavities – Typically, people try to put off having a cavity taken care of because of busy schedules, worry about the cost of a filling, or dental anxiety. If any of these three reasons sound like you, we want you to know that we’re here for your convenience and comfort.
  • Gum Disease – Gum disease also known as periodontitis occurs when there is an infection of the gum tissue that holds your teeth in place due to poor brushing and flossing habits that allow bacteria and plaque to harden on the teeth, causing severe inflammation (gingivitis).
  • Bleeding Gums – If you notice that your gums begin to bleed while brushing or flossing your teeth, then that’s a sign of gum disease and possibly other gum problems. If you notice your gums are bleeding early on before the damage worsens, then you can prevent periodontitis and gum recession.

The Benefits of Regular Dental Cleanings

Regular dental cleanings are an essential part of maintaining your oral health, and getting one in the fall has its own unique benefits. A professional cleaning does more than just keep your teeth looking good; it plays a crucial role in preventing dental issues that could require more extensive and costly treatments later on.

  • Preventing Cavities: Removing plaque and tartar buildup is one of the best ways to prevent cavities. Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, can harden into tartar if not removed, leading to decay and gum disease. Regular cleanings help keep these issues at bay.
  • Gum Disease Prevention: Gum disease is a common problem that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. By catching the early signs during a cleaning, we can address it before it progresses, preserving your gums and overall oral health.
  • Fresher Breath: Persistent bad breath is often caused by plaque buildup and gum disease. A professional cleaning removes the bacteria responsible for bad breath, leaving your mouth feeling fresh and clean.
  • Stain Removal: Fall is a season for warm drinks like coffee and tea, which can stain your teeth over time. A cleaning can remove surface stains and keep your smile bright, even as you enjoy your favorite fall beverages.

Preparing Your Smile for the Holiday Season

With the holiday season fast approaching, there’s no better time than fall to ensure your smile is ready for all the upcoming events and photo opportunities. A fall dental cleaning at Pickett Family Dental can give you the confidence to enjoy the holidays without worrying about your oral health. Plus, it’s a great way to treat yourself to a little self-care before the year ends.

Whether it’s preparing for holiday photos, protecting your teeth from seasonal treats, or simply taking advantage of your dental benefits before they expire, a fall cleaning is an investment in your smile and overall health.

For more support in maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile throughout the year, schedule your fall dental cleaning at Pickett Family Dental in Keller, TX. Our friendly, experienced team is here to provide the care and advice you need to keep your smile looking and feeling its best.