February 06, 2023

Filed under: Oral Care — evergreenteam

Good oral hygiene is key for a healthy mouth, teeth and gums. But how do you make sure your smile stays in tip-top shape? Regular dental checkups & cleanings are essential to maintaining optimal oral health. Understanding when to go for dental checkups and cleanings can help keep your mouth healthy over the long term. Read on to learn more about what’s involved in a dental checkup & cleaning, why it’s essential, and how often you should schedule one.

What is a dental checkup & cleaning?

A dental checkup and cleaning generally include two main elements:

  • Dental Checkups

Dental checkups are an essential part of preventive oral health care. During a dental checkup, the dentist will visually inspect your mouth for any signs of disease or other issues that could affect your oral health. They may also use specialized instruments to get a better look at your teeth and gums such as x-rays or intraoral cameras.

  • Dental Cleanings

During a dental cleaning, the dentist’s hygienist typically uses special tools to remove plaque, tartar and debris from your teeth surfaces and between your teeth. Plaque and tartar are sticky films of bacteria that can cause gum disease, tooth decay and other oral health problems when left untreated. After the cleaning, the hygienist will usually polish your teeth with a special paste to remove any surface stains or discolouration.

  • Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride treatments involve painting fluoride onto your teeth to help strengthen them and reduce cavities. This is especially important for people who are more prone to cavities due to their age or lifestyle habits (e.g., poor oral hygiene). In a few cases, the dentist may also recommend a fluoride treatment after your dental checkup & cleaning.

Why is a dental checkup & cleaning important?

Regular dental checkups & cleanings are essential for preventing oral health issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Dental checkups allow your dentist to identify problems early on so they can be treated before they become more serious. Cleanings help remove plaque and tartar that can’t be removed by brushing or flossing alone. Fluoride treatments also provide an extra layer of protection against cavities.

  • Prevent Tooth Decay & Gum Disease

Regular dental checkups and cleanings help detect cavities, signs of gum disease, or other problems in their early stages when they are much easier to treat. This helps prevent more severe issues down the road.

  • Improve Oral Hygiene Habits

During a dental checkup, your dentist can also discuss your oral hygiene habits and provide tips for improving them. This can help you keep your teeth and gums healthy on an ongoing basis.

  • Detect & Treat Other Issues

Dental checkups are also crucial for detecting other issues that may not be related to oral health but could still affect it, such as diabetes or hormonal imbalances. Sometimes, these problems can be treated before they lead to more serious dental issues.

How often should I schedule a dental checkup & cleaning?

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends having a dental checkup and cleaning at least twice a year. However, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits if you’re more prone to tooth decay or gum disease due to your age, lifestyle habits, or other factors.

  • How Often Should I Have A Dental Cleaning?

Your dentist can help determine how often you should come in for dental cleanings based on your needs. The ADA recommends that most people clean their teeth with a dentist every six months. If you have certain risk factors for oral health issues such as smoking or diabetes, the ADA also recommends having regular cleanings every three to four months.

  • How Often Should I Have A Dental Checkup?

The ADA recommends having a dental checkup at least once every six months. Depending on your risk factors for oral health issues, your dentist may recommend more frequent checkups. Your dentist can help you determine how often you come in for dental checkups based on your needs.

  • How Can I Prepare For My Appointment?

Preparing for your dental appointment is essential to ensure your visit is as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Make sure to brush and floss before coming in so that the dentist can see your teeth and gums clearly during the exam. You should also bring any relevant medical history documents with you to help the dentist get a better understanding of your overall health.

Regular dental checkups & cleanings are essential for preventing oral health issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends having a dental checkup and cleaning at least twice a year. However, more frequent visits may be necessary for some people due to their age or lifestyle habits. Preparing for your appointment can also help ensure your stay is comfortable and stress-free.

FAQs

  1. How often should I have a dental checkup & cleaning?

A: The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends having a dental checkup and cleaning at least twice a year. However, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits if you’re more prone to tooth decay or gum disease due to your age, lifestyle habits, or other factors.

  1. How often should I have a dental cleaning?

A: Your dentist can help determine how often you should come in for dental cleanings based on your needs. The ADA recommends that most people clean their teeth with a dentist every six months. If you have certain risk factors for oral health issues such as smoking or diabetes, the ADA also recommends having regular cleanings every three to four months.

  1. What should I do to prepare for my appointment?

A: Preparing for your dental appointment is essential to ensure your visit is as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Make sure to brush and floss before coming in so that the dentist can see your teeth and gums clearly during the exam. You should also bring any relevant medical history documents with you to help the dentist get a better understanding of your overall health.

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