Dental Cleaning & Consultation
A healthy mouth is an important part of overall wellness. Keeping
your teeth white and clean requires a regular routine of cleaning both
at home and via a professional dental care provider. During your next
dental cleaning and consultation visit, you can expect an examination of
the health of your teeth, gums and the soft tissues in your mouth, as
well as a thorough cleaning.
Cleaning
The manner in which you clean your teeth determines their
preservation and protection from decay and other oral health conditions.
At home, every surface of your teeth, gums and tongue should be brushed
with fluoridated toothpaste at least twice daily. It is also important
to floss once per day to loosen plaque and debris that becomes lodged in
the crevices of the teeth.
You should make an appointment for a
professional dental cleaning once every six months. At that time, a
hygienist will inspect the gums for periodontal disease, which is the
primary cause of tooth loss in America. The hygienist will the use a
tool to gently scrape away hardened plaque on the teeth that is not
removable using traditional brushing techniques. This plaque is
responsible for harboring bacteria that can cause tooth decay. Regular
professional cleanings also help remove topical stains from beverages
like coffee and tea. Furthermore, the small cost of preventative care
tends to save patients money on future dental restoration and treatment
costs.
Consultation
Your dental cleaning may be followed up with a brief consultation
from your dentist. Depending on how much time has passed since your last
dental visit, your dentist may request x-rays of your teeth and jaw to
detect underlying conditions. The dentist may review your x-rays and the
surfaces of the teeth for caries, decay and possible complications. If
problems are found, he or she will discuss options for treatment, as
well as ways you may be able to prevent additional problems in the
future.
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