The American Dental Association and your dentist recommend biannual dental checkups, however are these regular cleanings and exams really necessary? Routine exams and professional cleanings are in fact an essential component of good dental health whereas your dental hygiene habits in between those exams play an equally crucial role. Some people, including smokers, pregnant women and diabetics, may need more frequent checkups since they are at a higher-than-average risk of experiencing certain dental health conditions.
During a professional cleaning, your dentist or hygienist will check your teeth for signs of dental disease. He or she may assess your gums, teeth, bite and joints for signs of problems and then perform a thorough cleaning. Even if you practice good daily dental hygiene, plaque and tartar may build up in hard-to-reach areas. If it is not appropriately cleaned away, it can irritate your gums and cause periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is often very hard to spot in its earliest stages. In fact, for many people, it may first appear as red or swollen gums that bleed when brushed or flossed. At this stage, it is very treatable and reversible. If it is not diagnosed and treated at this stage, it will advance, and tooth and bone loss becomes more likely.
After your dentist checks your teeth and gums, he or she will check your bite, examine any restorations you have, check for loose teeth, examine your cheeks and gums, check for broken teeth and take dental X-rays. When your dentist has assessed your oral health, he or she will clean your teeth. Any plaque or tartar buildup will be cleaned using a special tool, and your teeth will be polished. The polishing helps remove superficial stains and leaves your teeth smoother and shinier. Your dentist will floss your teeth to remove plaque that has formed between your teeth.
When your teeth are clean, your dentist will talk to you about your dental health. If your dentist has any areas of concern, they will be addressed now. Your dentist may make treatment recommendations and discuss a treatment plan. You will need to return in six months for another examination and professional cleaning. In the meantime, brush your teeth after meals or twice a day. Floss at least once a day. You may also rinse with an antimicrobial or fluoride mouth rinse to remove extra bacteria and provide your teeth with additional protection from plaque and bacteria.
Author Resource:
Dr. Mirani, Beverly Hills dentist , can provide you with more information about the importance of professional care for your teeth.
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