Cleanings and Preventive Dentistry
Cleaning and Prevention
Preventing dental problems is a priority to our team. We recommend that all patients have at least biannual cleanings and examinations. Not only do proper dental cleanings help you avoid dental problems before they arise. They help your gums heal, give you fresher breath, and leave your teeth looking more brilliant.
A professional cleaning removes hard calculus and plaque that is not removed by regular brushing and flossing alone. We also apply prescription strength fluoride to strengthen your teeth and polish to remove stain and rejuvenate the appearance of your teeth. If you have not been able to see a dentist and have not had your teeth cleaned for years, we are here to help you get back to great dental health.
What are some preventative measures I can take?
Brush with a fluoride toothpaste
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush after each meal
Floss daily before bedtime
Use an oral rinse after flossing
Avoid sugary foods, coffee, and tobacco
Benefits of Professional Teeth Cleaning
Most stains that darken or discolor your teeth can be removed by the dental hygienist, leaving you with a brightened, whiter smile.
Cleaning prevents gum disease, which in turn can prevent an early loss of a tooth.
In the United States, one person will die from oral cancer each hour; however, many of these cancers can be cured if they are discovered at an early stage while getting your teeth cleaned.
There is a powerful connection between heart disease and gum disease. Since getting your teeth cleaned professionally twice yearly can help stop gum disease, it also affects your chances of possible deadly heart attacks and strokes.
While you’re getting your teeth cleaned, your dentist can quickly identify early signs of problems, for instance, fractures and broken fillings.
Many dental insurance plans include cleanings, which will save you money on dental procedures over time by taking advantage of your insurance plan.
If your dentist discovers any significant problems while cleaning your teeth, the office may be able to help you arrange financial options to cover the much-needed procedures.
Oral Cancer Screening
More than just a way to clean and brighten your smile, regular checkups give your dentist a chance to examine signs of oral cancer.
It’s essential to see your dentist at least once a year to maintain a healthy mouth. However, not all dentists agree on how frequently someone ought to get an oral cancer screening. If you are more likely to get the disease, you should probably get it investigated. Some factors indicate you may be more likely to get oral cancer, such as being a tobacco user, having oral cancer in the past, regular consumption of alcohol, prolonged sun exposure (possible lip cancer), or even human papillomavirus (HPV).
There are varying levels to an oral cancer screening, so your dentist will probably give a thorough exam of every part of the mouth. The main objective is to identify lumps or spots and to see if the spit that covers your gums is unusual. It’s also possible your dentist might have you rinse your mouth with a blue dye that gets absorbed by any abnormal cells. This dye makes it much easier for him to recognize any issues.