Regular Dental Checkup

Why is regular teeth cleaning important?

A dental checkup by a skilled dentist is necessary to identify various oral health issues that may go unnoticed. Dental checkups offer screenings for oral cancer, digital X-rays to detect hidden problems, and provide professional cleanings to remove plaque, bacteria, and other deposits that regular brushing and flossing may not eliminate.

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss, so early intervention is essential. Once gum disease has progressed and affected the tooth and supporting bone, restoration becomes impossible, and only management or replacement options remain. During your dental visit, the dental hygienist will gently measure the gum “pockets” around each tooth using a small ruler, identifying areas that are difficult to clean with a toothbrush or floss. In combination with these measurements, X-rays are utilized to identify any areas of bone recession. This assessment helps detect and address gum disease at its earliest stages, promoting effective treatment and preservation of your oral health.

How often should you get dental checkups?

Dental checkups are recommended every six months. During your initial visit to Prince Dental, we will inquire about your comprehensive health history to gain insight into your past and present medical condition. From there, regular dental checkups will be used to determine any change in your oral health and keep your teeth and mouth in good shape or maintained appropriately. By staying proactive with these checkups, we can help preserve your oral health and address any potential issues promptly, keeping your smile in optimal shape.

The American Dental Association, and most dentists, recommend six months because the maintenance and cleaning provided at each visit is the best way to ensure you maintain healthy teeth and gums.

As long as your mouth is free of gum disease and significant buildup, it takes approximately six months for tartar and stains to accumulate to a level that requires another teeth cleaning. However, it is important to note that individuals with a history of periodontitis may require more frequent maintenance visits, often every 3-4 months. This allows us to closely monitor and address any potential issues promptly, ensuring optimal oral health for our patients.

Why are brushing and flossing important?

We all know brushing and flossing make our mouth feel great. But, brushing and flossing do more than freshen breath – they physically disrupt the complex network of bacteria called a biofilm. It’s important to disrupt and remove the sticky film so diseases like cavities and gum disease are less likely to happen. There are a lot of products on the market that claim they are the best. Make sure to talk about the options with your hygienist to get the best recommendation.

And as you know, it is important to brush twice a day for at least two minutes, and floss once. Helping and encouraging your child to make brushing and flossing a part of their habits will help them have a healthy smile as kids and throughout their lifetime!

What are other preventative dental care strategies?

Besides having your teeth cleaned and stain polished off, our comfortable dental cleaning also provides other preventative services, such as:

Dental Sealants — Deep grooves and pits in your back teeth are at a higher risk of cavities. Placing a protective sealant over these surfaces makes them easier to clean and lowers your chances of developing tooth decay.

Fluoride Treatment — Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, fights sensitivity, and reverses the earliest stage of tooth decay (demineralization). Dental insurance typically covers fluoride treatments for children, but our adult patients can take advantage of the service for only $29.

Oral Cancer Screenings — This deadly disease is linked to viruses like HPV, sun exposure, and tobacco/alcohol use. Early screening could save your life. We complete a cancer exam as part of every checkup appointment.

Diagnostic X-rays — Intermittent X-rays allow us to identify new areas of decay or bone loss around your teeth so that we can treat them in the least invasive manner before they worsen.