Cleaning and Prevention
Dentistry is founded on the principle of prevention. All patients are recommended biannual cleanings and examinations. Not only do they help you quash dental problems before they arise, they leave your gums healthier, and your teeth cleaner and whiter. A professional cleaning removes hard plaque that cannot be removed by brushing and flossing alone. It also involves a fluoride treatment and polish to help protect and soothe your teeth and gums. Even if you haven’t had a cleaning in over two years, it’s never too late to treat your teeth.
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 and tobacco
Dental Exams
Dental exams and cleanings are essential to maintaining good oral health. Our knowledgeable dentist, Bhavana Thakur, DDS recommends that you visit our dental office every six months for a regular dental exam and cleaning.
Dental exams include:
Oral cancer screening
Digital X-rays to further examine your teeth and dental health (digital X-rays require less than 1/10th the energy of traditional film-based X-rays) If needed, we may also take digital photographs of teeth, groups of teeth, or tissue for our records. Thanks to the computer screens in our treatment rooms, you will be able to comfortably view X-rays and photographs from the dental chair to better understand your oral health and dental treatments.
Thorough evaluation of your current and future dental needs
A regular cleaning is recommended for patients who do not have bone loss, periodontal disease, or infection around the teeth. There should be no bleeding, mobility of the teeth, receded areas, or gaps where the spaces around the roots of the teeth are exposed. In other words, the mouth should be healthy with no bone or gum problems. A regular cleaning, or prophylaxis, removes soft plaque, tartar, and stains from the teeth above the gum line, and only slightly below. Flouride application and sealants done at these regular visits can also prevent new cavities.
A regular cleaning is usually done 2 to 3 times a year, depending on how quickly stain, plaque, and tartar accumulate. It is considered a preventive procedure by your insurance carrier, since regular cleanings will help prevent periodontal disease.