Maintaining oral health is vital for a beautiful, confident smile. At Argyle Dental & Prosthodontics, we emphasize the importance of routine dental checkups and professional teeth cleanings as foundational components of comprehensive dental care.
Key Takeaways
- Regular dental checkups help prevent dental issues, detect early signs of diseases, and maintain overall oral health.
- During an exam, dentists check for tooth decay, gum disease, and oral abnormalities while assessing overall gum health.
- Professional teeth cleanings are important because they remove plaque and tartar that can be removed with regular brushing. Teeth cleanings are an essential step in preventing gum disease.
- A typical teeth cleaning includes examination, scaling, polishing, fluoride treatment, and a review of oral health.
Why Annual Dental Checkups Are Important
Regular dental checkups are essential in preventing dental issues before they arise. These visits allow your dentist to identify potential problems early, which can save you time, money, and discomfort in the long run. Annual checkups are critical for:
- Detecting tooth decay and cavities
- Identifying early signs of periodontal disease (gum disease)
- Oral cancer screening
- Assessing overall oral health based on medical history
What Does a Dentist Look For During a Dental Exam?
During a dental exam, your dentist will assess various aspects of your oral health. They look for:
- Signs of tooth decay and cavities
- Gum disease or signs of inflammation and infection
- Alignment of teeth and jaw
- Presence of plaque, tartar, or stains on the teeth
- Condition of fillings, crowns, or other restorations
- Signs of oral cancer or abnormalities in the mouth, throat, and neck
What To Expect During a Dental Exam at Argyle Dental & Prosthodontics
We will begin by discussing any concerns or issues that you may have. Dr. Khodakhast will then perform a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and mouth.
You might hear the dentist give numbers to the hygienist during the exam. These numbers are a measure of gum health and indicate the space between your gum line and teeth. The lower the number, the healthier your gums are. Gum probing is essential in identifying and managing periodontal disease.
If necessary, we may take digital x-rays to get a closer look at the underlying structures of your mouth and identify any potential issues that may not be visible to the naked eye.
After the exam, the findings will be discussed with you, and a treatment plan will be created based on your individual needs.
Professional Teeth Cleaning
Regular teeth cleanings are important to keep your teeth and gums healthy and prevent oral problems. Even if you have very good oral hygiene habits, you should still come in for regular cleanings. Professional teeth cleanings are beneficial because they:
- Remove built-up plaque and tartar that cannot be removed with brushing alone
- Help prevent gum disease and tooth decay
- Freshen breath and improve overall oral health
Steps of a Dental Cleaning
A standard professional cleaning typically involves these steps:
- Preliminary examination: Your dental hygienist will assess your oral health to determine the best cleaning approach.
- Scaling: Using specialized tools, the hygienist removes plaque and tartar buildup from above and below the gum line.
- Polishing: The hygienist polishes your teeth with a gritty toothpaste to remove surface stains and smooth the enamel.
- Fluoride treatments: A fluoride treatment may be applied to strengthen tooth enamel and protect against decay.
- Review & recommendations: Your dentist will review your cleaning results, discuss any potential issues, and provide recommendations for maintaining a healthy smile.
Benefits of Routine Teeth Cleanings
- Prevent tooth decay: Regular cleanings reduce the buildup of plaque, effectively lowering the risk of cavities.
- Maintain healthy gums: Routine cleanings are crucial in preventing gum disease, which, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss.
- Improve overall health: There is a link between oral health and systemic conditions, such as heart disease. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums can help lower your risk of developing these conditions.
- Fluoride protection: Professional cleaning includes fluoride treatments that strengthen tooth enamel.
Tips for Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene at Home
- Brush twice a day: Use fluoride or hydroxyapatite toothpaste and brush for at least two minutes to effectively remove plaque and food particles.
- Floss daily: Flossing helps to clean between your teeth and below the gum line, areas that your toothbrush cannot reach. Floss at least once a day, preferably at bedtime.
- Use mouthwash: If you have gingivitis or gum disease, an antibacterial mouthwash can help to reduce bacteria in the mouth.
- Healthy diet: Limit sugary snacks and beverages, and include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to support oral health.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps wash away food particles and keeps your mouth moist, which is essential for preventing cavities.
- Avoid tobacco products and vaping: Tobacco and vaping products can stain teeth, increase the risk of gum disease, and lead to oral cancer.
Schedule Your Dental Checkup and Cleaning Today!
Routine dental checkups and professional cleanings are an essential part of maintaining optimal oral health. Our team is committed to providing exceptional care and personalized treatment plans for each patient.
Here are a few comments from our satisfied patients:
If you are searching for dentist in Centennial, CO, dental checkup in Centennial, CO, or a “dentist near me”, we can help! Our office in Centennial, CO is conveniently located in Arapahoe County, just 5 miles from Douglas County.
Call (303) 770-2254 to book an appointment or complete the online inquiry form. We look forward to helping you achieve a healthy, confident smile!
FAQs About Dental Checkups and Teeth Cleanings
No, a regular teeth cleaning is not the same as a deep cleaning. A regular cleaning focuses on removing plaque and tartar buildup above and below the gum line, while a deep cleaning involves scaling and root planing to remove bacteria and debris from deeper pockets of the gums. Deep cleanings are typically recommended for patients with advanced gum disease.
No, a cleaning is not included in a dental exam. If you would like a teeth cleaning, you have to specify this when you book your appointment.
The American Dental Association recommends visiting the dentist for a checkup once a year and a cleaning every six months. However, some individuals may need more frequent cleanings depending on their individual oral health needs.
Some slight bleeding or sensitivity may occur while having your teeth cleaned, especially if you have inflamed or sensitive gums. However, excessive bleeding could be a sign of gum disease. If this occurs, your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings or other treatments to improve gum health.
Yes, dental insurance typically covers checkups and teeth cleanings. However, the extent of coverage can vary depending on your specific insurance plan. Most insurance plans will cover a certain percentage of the cost for preventive services such as checkups and cleanings.
