General Dentistry
Dental Exams and Dental Hygiene
How Important is Oral Hygiene?
Oral hygiene is necessary for eliminating bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria builds to form plaque that can calcify and harden into tartar. This may lead to long-term gum and bone disease if it is not removed. A daily homecare dental routine combined with regular check-ups and cleanings will keep your mouth clean and healthy. These regular hygiene visits can prevent gum infections, bone loss, tooth decay as well as full body inflammatory diseases related to gum disease.
Why Get a Dental Exam?
Dental exams give us the opportunity to evaluate your current methods of dental care and provide suggestions for dental habits. We are here to evaluate X-rays and Visual findings to diagnose Oral Cancer, Gum Health, Tooth Decay and Bone/Joint disease.
How Often Should You Get a Dental Exam?
Dental exams should generally take place annually. However, consult with our team to decide how often you should be examined, for we may suggest that you get X-rays or Exams more frequently or less frequently based on factors such as dental history, the frequency of cavities, and genetic susceptibility to tooth and root decay as well as gum disease.
What Can I Expect From a Dental Hygiene Appointment?
At a typical dental visit, our team will thoroughly clean your teeth, removing any surface stains or deposits (called tartar or calculus). 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 toothpaste with fluoride or sensitivity ingredients. 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.
How Can You Prepare For a Dental Hygiene Appointment?
The best way to prepare for your appointment 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 homecare methods with us. Don’t be embarrassed to share 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.