Our doctors and the entire staff at Complete Dental Studio want to remind our Boerne, TX, patients how important regular cleanings and exams are to your overall oral health. The truth is that no matter how hard you might try to maintain healthy teeth and gums with an at-home dental hygiene routine, you’ll never be able to remove all the plaque and tartar that naturally build up on teeth over time. That buildup can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
That’s why regular cleanings and exams are so important: they help to keep your teeth healthier and allow our doctors to diagnose any problems in the very early stages when they are much easier to treat and resolve. Although the recommended frequency of cleanings and exams varies depending on the patient’s oral health, we recommend that you come in for checkups at least every six months.
Benefits of Regular Teeth Cleaning and Exams
- Reduced risk of tooth decay: Regular teeth cleanings help to remove the buildup of plaque and tartar that can cause tooth decay and cavities.
- Reduced risk of gum disease: Regular teeth cleanings and dental exams help to identify gum disease early on, which can then be effectively treated.
- Better breath: Regular teeth cleanings help to remove the bacteria that cause bad breath.
- Early detection of potential problems: Regular dental exams allow your dentist to identify any potential problems early on, before they become more serious.
- Fresher smile: Regular teeth cleanings help to remove surface stains and discolorations, which can make your smile look brighter and more attractive.
What to Expect in Cleanings and Exams
Although every patient has different needs, generally speaking, you can expect the following procedures during your cleaning and exam visit to our office:
- Your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned and polished: During this procedure, all plaque and calculus deposits will be removed from your teeth. This will help to improve the overall appearance and health of your teeth. Special instruments such as an ultrasonic scaler will be used to help remove any hard deposits and stains. Once this step is complete, your teeth will be professionally polished with a fluoride paste to help remove any remaining plaque, buff away surface stains, and leave your teeth feeling smooth and refreshed.
- The pocket depths around your gums may be measured to assess gum health and detect any early signs of gum disease: This is an important step in assessing the health of your gums. A periodontal probe, which is a small, thin instrument, will be used to measure the depth of the spaces (known as pockets) between the teeth and the gums. The readings obtained from this procedure can provide insight into the health of your gums and may help identify any early signs of gum disease.
- We’ll take X-rays, as needed: X-rays are an important diagnostic tool that can help our doctors to detect any potential issues with your teeth that may not be visible during a visual exam. X-rays can show signs of decay, bone loss, and other dental problems that allows the dentist to diagnose, monitor, and treat with precision.
- Our doctors will perform a visual examination of your teeth, gums, and existing dental work: Our doctors will closely examine your teeth, gums, and any existing dental work (such as fillings, crowns, etc.). They will look for any signs of decay, wear, or other problems that may need to be addressed.
- Our doctors will perform an oral cancer screening when needed: This is an important step in assessing your overall health. Our doctors will perform a thorough visual inspection of your mouth, lips, cheeks, tongue, and throat to look for any signs of oral cancer. If any abnormalities are found during the exam, our doctors can provide you with the appropriate follow-up care.
How to Maintain Good Oral Health
Good oral health is essential to maintaining overall health and well-being. Brushing and flossing your teeth on a daily basis, visiting your dentist regularly, and eating a nutritious diet are all important steps you should take to keep your mouth and teeth healthy. Here are some tips on how to maintain good oral health:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste: Brushing your teeth twice a day helps remove plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles and a toothpaste that contains fluoride to help protect your teeth from decay.
- Floss daily: Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth and under the gum line. Use a waxed dental floss to make it easier to slide the floss between your teeth.
- Limit foods high in sugar and starches: Foods high in sugar and starches can increase your risk of tooth decay. Try to limit snacks between meals and avoid sugary drinks such as soda.
- Visit your dentist regularly: Seeing your dentist every six months for a check-up and professional cleaning can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
- Don’t smoke: Smoking can discolor your teeth and increase your risk of gum disease and oral cancer.
By following these simple steps, you can help maintain good oral health and keep your smile looking great.
Contact Us
To schedule an appointment with one of our experienced dentists, or learn more about our extensive dental services, contact our Boerne, TX office today. We are here to help you with a wide range of dental treatments so give us a call and speak to our friendly staff.
Contact Us
To schedule an appointment with one of our experienced dentists, or learn more about our extensive dental services, contact our Boerne, TX office today. We are here to help you with a wide range of dental treatments so give us a call and speak to our friendly staff.
