Dental hygiene is important. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss daily, and visit the dentist regularly for professional cleaning and checkups. However, you may find that it’s difficult to keep up with all these maintenance tasks in between appointments. So what should you do?
To help you easily level up the game of dental hygiene, it is advised to do routine dental checkups and examinations, and undergo Buffalo Grove dental cleanings, if required. Practicing good oral hygiene habits will prevent mouth diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Therefore, regular appointments with your dentist will ensure that your teeth remain healthy and in shape.
Moreover, carrying out routine dental checkups every six months helps to prevent early signs of tooth decay. You can pay attention to other people’s feedback when it comes to oral health such as bad breath, black spots on teeth, swollen gums, chipped teeth, and other oral signs of health.
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Dental Examination
It is important to conduct a dental examination every six months. During the dental examination, your dentist will check your teeth, gums, and other areas of your mouth for issues such as tooth decay, receding gums, oral cancer, and other diseases.
If this is the first time you will be having a dental examination with your dentist, it is recommended that you inform him/her of any health condition you have (especially related to the throat and other parts of the body) beforehand. This way, proper measures can be put in place to avoid possible issues during the exam.
Also, it is important to inform your dentist about any regular medications that you take. Some drugs can cause side effects that might be detrimental to dental hygiene.
Dental X-rays
Routine dental x-rays are important as they are used to identify health problems and diagnose them early before they get worse. Dentists recommend that everyone under the age of 18 should undergo dental x-rays as they are prone to tooth decay and other conditions.
For adults, a common practice is to obtain one set of x-rays every six months. X-rays will help the dentist in determining whether there are any exposed roots or cavities present in the teeth that require additional treatment.
Dental Cleanings
Dentists recommend dental cleanings every six months, especially for those individuals who smoke, use tobacco, or drink alcohol. It is also recommended for people who have hereditary conditions such as gingivitis or periodontitis.
Dental cleaning involves the use of special equipment to remove any dirt or plaque that causes bad breath, gum disease, and cavities. This procedure is usually performed by a dental hygienist, who will work together with your dentist throughout the entire procedure.
After the cleaning, if the dentist determines that there are food particles or plaque buildup that requires removal, he or she may recommend fluoride treatment for you. Fluoride treatment involves using toothpaste containing fluoride or applying fluoridated rinses to keep your teeth strong and cavity-free.