Keeping regular general dentistry appointments is an important part of maintaining good dental health. A routine appointment is a chance to give the teeth a professional cleaning, and an oral exam can look for signs of concern with decay, gum disease, or other deterioration. By getting routine cleanings, many of these concerns can be prevented.
The American Dental Association has a lot of input when it comes to maintaining good oral health. In addition to the recommendation for the teeth to be cleaned at least twice a day for two minutes each time, the ADA also makes recommendations on how often a person should floss and the type of mouthwash and toothpaste to use. When it comes to general dentistry recommendations for thorough cleaning from a dental professional, the guidance is to follow the individual needs for healthy teeth and gums. Dental treatment is not a one-size-fits-all model, and some individuals may need the teeth professionally cleaned more than once a year.
Many dental practices like to schedule patients for a cleaning every six months, though it is up to the patient to keep or make these appointments each year. These appointments allow all the surfaces of the teeth to be cleaned, the tartar buildup removed, and cavities or concerns with the teeth to be addressed.
The tools used to clean the teeth professionally are much different from what is in the medicine cabinet or on the bathroom vanity. Many times these instruments have strange noises or cause different sensations, but there is nothing to dread or fear with teeth cleaning. Knowing what to expect and the purpose of each tool or process can make it easier to schedule and keep more routine dental appointments.
Before the cleaning takes place, a physical exam of the mouth occurs. This may be done by a dental hygienist, who uses a small mirror to thoroughly inspect the gums and teeth for signs of gingivitis. Inflamed gums or any other concerns may be relayed to the dentist prior to any other work taking place.
With the help of a small mirror and tool called a scaler, plaque and tartar are removed from between the teeth, on the surfaces of the teeth, or around the gumline. Some offices may use a high-powered stream of water to aid plaque removal. Poor brushing and flossing habits can lead to a more lengthy removal process.
Once the teeth are tartar-free, a high-powered electric toothbrush and gritty toothpaste is used to gently scrub the teeth. Because the grit could wear down the enamel, this form of polishing should only occur twice a year.
After brushing, the dental professional thoroughly flosses each tooth. In addition to reaching down to the gums, this removes the leftover toothpaste or plaque from the cleaning process. After this, the patient rinses the mouth thoroughly, potentially with a liquid fluoride.
Going to a general dentistry appointment at least once or twice a year can have a positive impact on oral health. A professional teeth cleaning takes care of problems routine brushing and flossing might miss.
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