Skip to main content

Dental Checkups: Because a Great Smile Needs Strong Teeth

A woman smiles after her visit with the dentist

 

You use your teeth for everything: to chew food, to finish thread, to say the letter “t”.  Doesn’t it make sense to take care of them?  The risk of Covid-19 may have gotten you off-track with dental checkups, but San Fernando Community Health Center wants you to know it’s safe to come back to our dental clinic.

Why Checkups Are Important

The American Dental Association recommends seeing your dentist every six months.  At these checkups, the dentist performs an exam and takes x-rays to check for cavities, cracks, or chips in your teeth.  These are all damage to your teeth that you might not notice yourself and are better treated sooner rather than later.  SFCHC dentists also check for oral cancer, which causes sores in the mouth and even loose teeth.  A dental checkup includes a cleaning to remove tartar, the hard stuff that doesn’t come off with brushing and flossing.  (Unchecked tartar buildup can lead to painful gum disease, or gingivitis.)  Finally, fluoride is usually applied to protect your teeth until your next visit.  It’s pretty clear why the ADA advises regular checkups by a professional: even if you could find all this equipment on Amazon, where would you keep it?

Your dentist is also your partner in helping you protect your teeth year-round.  You know to brush your teeth regularly and floss daily, but they can suggest other good habits you may not know, like

In other words, use scissors on those stubborn ketchup packets, and only use half as many.

How We Make Checkups Safe

You may have concerns about Covid-19: it spreads through noses and mouths close to each other, and isn’t that exactly what happens at a dental checkup?  We understand, and we’re excited about the upgrades we’ve made in our clinic to reduce the risk:

Dental checkups are recommended, safe, and even affordable.  SFCHC accepts over a dozen insurance plans and offers services on a sliding fee scale based on household size and income.  So, keep your bubble-gum blowing skills on point: get back on track with dental checkups in the clinic at SFCHC.

 

It's safe to go back to the dentist at our Clinic. Don't put it off if you need care.

 

Author
Heather Hillstrom For several years, Heather Hillstrom has proudly provided copywriting and videography services to support SFCHC's mission of compassionate care for all who need it. She gained much of her experience and education at prominent advertising and marketing firms, with clients in healthcare, real estate, medical technology, and environmental products and activism, among others. Her writing portfolio includes DVD/Blu-ray bonus features for Paramount’s RANGO and Disney’s LOST, nearly all the content for the latter’s companion website Lost University, and a radio and television campaign that aired during the Olympics. She wrote on the multi-award-winning web series NONE IN THE OVEN and her feature script HIT OR STAND was a Second Rounder at Austin Film Festival and a PAGE Awards quarterfinalist. Many of her projects and awards can be viewed at www.hungrypictures.com.

You Might Also Enjoy...

A young man experiencing sadness or depression will seek help from the care team at SFCHC

Behavior Healthcare: First Aid for Your Feelings

Sometimes, no matter how fit our bodies, shiny our hair, or clear our skin, we still feel off. Negative news and thoughts can trigger feelings that present as physical symptoms. That’s why mental health and physical health are part of our whole-person care
doctor treating young hispanic patient

Prop 35 Campaign Update: Protect Our HealthCare

Join us in supporting Prop 35 to protect and expand patient access to healthcare. This measure on the November ballot will help deliver California’s promise of quality, timely and affordable care for all, especially those most in need.
A happy family at the park after getting their updated Covid and Flu vaccines in Fall 2024

Fall Vaccinations: The Same but Different

If it feels like everyone you know is coming down with Covid, you're not wrong. Reported cases doubled this summer in Southern California, as did positive tests and hospitalizations. Don't let it stop you going to work or school. Update your vaccinations!
The LaVida Care team

Together, Empowering Our Patients

Over the last two years, LaVida Care has enrolled 149 patients, of which 75% are new to treatment. To ensure access to care, the program has partnered with the California Department of Public Health for the PrEP-Assistance Program (PrEP-AP).