Why Teeth Cleanings are Important
One of the most important aspects of good dental care is having regular teeth cleanings and exams. If you focus on taking good care of your teeth at home, you might not think it’s necessary to have your teeth professionally cleaned. However, the equipment, knowledge, and experience that dental hygienists have provided you with a thorough cleaning that cannot be achieved at home.
The Benefits of Professional Teeth Cleaning Include:
- Plaque removal. Tartar (also referred to as calculus) and plaque buildup, both above and below the gum line, can result in serious periodontal problems. Unfortunately, even with a proper home brushing and flossing routine, it can be impossible to remove all debris, bacteria, and deposits from gum pockets. The experienced eye of a dentist or hygienist using specialized dental equipment is necessary to catch potentially damaging buildup.
- A healthier looking smile. Stained and yellowed teeth can dramatically decrease the esthetics of a smile. Prophylaxis is an effective treatment in ridding the teeth of these unsightly stains.
- Fresher breath. Bad breath (or halitosis) is generally indicative of advancing periodontal disease. A combination of rotting food particles (possibly below the gum line) and potential gangrene stemming from gum infection, results in bad breath. The routine removal of plaque, calculus, and bacteria at our facility can noticeably improve halitosis and reduce infection.
It should be noted that gum disease cannot be completely reversed, but dental prophylaxis is one of the tools Dr. Wolfenden can use to effectively halt its progression
Why Dental Exams are Important
It is also important for you to have your teeth and gums examined on a regular basis. Dentists can look for signs of tooth damage, gum disease, and a host of other issues during your dental exam. If issues are detected, the dentist can provide workable solutions to help correct problems early so they can be fixed quickly and easily
How Often Should You Get a Dental Exam?
Dental exams should generally take place every six months. However, consult with our team to decide how often you should be examined, for we may suggest that you visit more frequently based on factors such as smoking, frequency of cavities and genetic susceptibility to tooth and root decay as well as gum disease.
What to Expect from a Teeth Cleaning and Dental Exam?
At a typical dental exam, our team will thoroughly clean your teeth, removing any surface stains or deposits, called tartar or calculus, that are more difficult to remove than plaque and require the assistance of professional dental instruments. We will also check for signs of decay or gum disease. An X-ray may be performed to provide a more detailed summary of your oral health and to more closely identify any problems. We will ask you questions about your current methods of dental care, such as how often you brush your teeth, and floss, as well as whether you use a toothpaste with fluoride. With this information in mind, we will demonstrate proper dental care and provide suggestions on how to improve your habits to promote optimal oral health. The dentist will perform a full exam of your teeth and gums as well as review as x-rays that were taken.
How Can You Prepare for a Teeth Cleaning and Dental Exam?
The best way to prepare for a dental exam is to practice good dental care. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day is recommended. Be sure to clean your teeth before you arrive at your appointment. Our team will be cleaning your teeth for you, but it is helpful to remove food and plaque beforehand so we can focus on the more difficult-to-clean areas. You also want to make sure you are prepared to share pertinent information such as your medical history, insurance coverage and current dental care methods with us. Don’t be embarrassed to be honest about your oral health habits – our team is not here to judge you, but to work with you to improve your habits and ensure dental health! Lastly, be prepared to schedule a follow-up appointment or future check-up at the end of your dental exam.
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