DENTAL CHECK-UPS
Anyone who practices good dental and oral hygiene knows how important it is to visit their dentist twice a year; in addition to brushing and flossing at home daily. At Perfect Hollywood Smile, we understand that people have extremely busy lives filled with daily responsibilities at home and on the job. However, taking care of one’s teeth is essential. If you take care of your teeth at home and get dental check-ups every 6 months, you may not have to worry about getting dentures, or other costly dental procedures performed in the future.
What to Expect When Visiting the Dentist
For all intents and purposes, visiting the dentist twice a year is sufficient for maintaining good oral hygiene. However, those individuals who are at elevated risk of certain dental conditions, and other problems, may have to visit our Perfect Hollywood Smile office every 3 months. During routine check-ups, your dentist will watch for potential problems, including early signs of oral cancers, as well as gum disease and tooth decay. And, take whatever action that may be necessary.
Routine dental check-ups typically include an exam, professional cleaning, and possibly x-rays. Your dentist will also discuss the following with you:
- allergies
- chronic diseases
- drug reactions
- health history
- list of your prescription medications
- past dental problems
- recent illnesses
When the dentist or dental hygienist is cleaning your teeth, they’ll use a small, blade-like instrument known as a scaler to remove any tartar that has built up above and below your gum line. In some cases, they might use a vibrating ultrasonic device that shakes the plaque and tartar loose, then rinses it with water. After that, they will use a lightly abrasive paste to polish your teeth. This procedure will make it difficult for any plaque or tartar to build up again prior to your next visit.
Benefits of Dental Check-Ups
There are several benefits of dental check-ups and professional cleanings that you should be aware of. Not only does this help with your appearance, it also encourages better overall health. Here are some of the more important benefits:
Enjoy a brighter, whiter smile – Professional cleanings help to remove stains that are caused by coffee, sodas, red wines, tea, and other beverages or foods. There are certain prescription medications that will discolor your teeth, as well. Our office will be happy to provide you with a list of them if needed.
Maintain better health – Recent clinical studies have proven that gum disease is linked to heart disease and strokes. Despite the lack of a clear correlation, regular dental check-ups and professional teeth cleanings lower your risk of developing heart disease or having a stroke.
Prevention of gum (periodontal) disease – This is caused by a build-up of plaque which also contains certain bacteria that will inflame and irritate your gums.
Prevents bad breath (halitosis) – Foods that get stuck in difficult-to-reach places, gum disease, and poor oral hygiene habits all contribute to bad breath or halitosis. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are by far the most effective methods for preventing bad breath, and ensuring that you’ll enjoy better dental health.
Most importantly, you’ll keep your teeth longer – Advanced gum disease can cause supporting jaw bone mass to be reduced, as plaque moves deep into the roots of your teeth. Practicing good oral hygiene at home and professional cleanings will help you keep your teeth longer, and reduce the risk of tooth loss.
To know more about our comprehensive dental services and check-up schedules, please give us a call today.