Visiting a general dentist for routine cleanings is essential for preventing common dental problems such as tooth decay or gum disease. While brushing and flossing every day can help remove a majority of bacteria and plaque from the teeth, it is impossible to completely remove all buildup. Frequently scheduling dental cleanings makes it possible to address tartar buildup before it causes damage, and it gives the dentist an opportunity to examine the mouth for any issues that need to be addressed.
How often a patient should visit a dentist for a dental cleaning depends on the condition of the patient’s mouth and the presence of any bad oral habits, such as smoking or teeth grinding. In general, the average patient with healthy gums should schedule a cleaning at least twice a year.
An easy way to create a habit of maintaining a strict cleaning schedule is to set an appointment for six months in the future after every visit. For patients who smoke, suffer from diabetes, or have a history of periodontal disease, the dentist may recommend more frequent visits as a preventative measure. As certain conditions increase the risk of gum disease, these cleanings help prevent it from occurring or keep it from progressing to the more advanced stages.
For some patients, dental phobia or general anxiety about visiting the dentist can keep them from making a cleaning appointment. Knowing what to expect during a cleaning can help ease these anxieties.
There are several basic tools dentists and hygienists use to clean and examine the mouth:
It is not uncommon for patients to experience some level of bleeding after a cleaning, especially if the patient does not frequently floss or there is a lot of buildup on the teeth. Cleanings by a general dentist can cause gum sensitivity that lasts for a couple of days following the appointment. While having teeth cleaned should not cause excessive pain, trauma to the mouth, decay or jaw disorders can make patients uncomfortable during the process.
Parents who have a baby or toddler may be wondering when children should start going to the dentist and what the visits will entail. Most dentists recommend children have their first appointment once they start getting teeth, and this may range from eight to 12 months. Even if a child has no teeth by one years old, it is still a good idea to schedule an appointment to check their gums and make sure everything is progressing normally.
For many young children, the initial appointment is designed to introduce them to the office, show them the chair and varying tools, and get them used to the routine. The subsequent visits will include the regular professional cleaning and exam.
During the visit for teeth cleaning, the dentist will also conduct a thorough exam of the teeth, gums, and other soft tissues of the mouth. This includes checking for early signs of decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. About once a year, the dentist takes X-rays of the teeth to see underlying structures that are not visible otherwise. If the dentist detects any potential issues, he or she will discuss potential treatments with the patient.
Visiting a general dentist at least twice a year can limit the amount of dental work a patient needs by preventing dental decay and gum disease from progressing. If it has been a while since you have visited the dentist, make an appointment right away to ensure no problems have developed.
Request an appointment here: https://pearlcity.diamondheaddentalcare.com or call Diamond Head Dental Care at (808) 214-9287 for an appointment in our Pearl City office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Pearl City, HI.
Our general dentist can help reduce the effects of teeth grinding, also known as bruxism. Most people who grind their teeth tend to be unaware of their habit because it mainly occurs during sleep. Grinding your teeth occasionally due to being anxious or stressed out typically does not cause noticeable damage to teeth, but doing…
Patients may be alarmed if a general dentist mentions that a tooth extraction may be needed during a routine appointment. A dentist’s primary goal is to preserve the teeth, but there some cases where a tooth cannot be saved using normal procedures. Understanding what situations can result in tooth removal and knowing the options available…
If a general dentist recommends fluoride treatments, patients may express concerns about the lasting effects of fluoride. They may also wonder whether eating and drinking are possible immediately afterward. Fortunately, fluoride is one of the easiest dental treatments to undergo with little to no waiting period and great benefits in the long term. Just a…
If a general dentist recommends a dental crown, there are a variety of reasons why. Crowns can be used for cosmetic corrections as well as for protection and support. These dental restorations may seem intimidating to those who have never had one, but they do not have to be. Here are some questions to ask…
If you are missing one or more permanent teeth, dental implants may be an option for replacing them. Placing the implants requires an operation, and not everyone is a candidate for the surgery. Your dentist can discuss the criteria you must meet to be eligible. If you do not meet the criteria now, it may…
In recent years, dental implants have become a popular treatment for patients who have missing teeth. Implants restore functionality to the mouth by making it easier to bite into foods and chew them properly. In addition, they may restore confidence in speaking and smiling. Implants may not be for everybody, though, and it is important…