Oftentimes, people go to the dentist when they’re having pain or in need of a procedure, however, at River Birth Dental, our dentists believe that the best treatment is prevention.
Scheduling biannual cleanings and checkups will allow us to catch any issues before they become problematic and keep your oral health on track.
The Importance of Professional Cleanings and Oral Hygiene
While you may think that having a good oral hygiene routine is enough, there are areas that are hard to reach or often overlooked. Professional cleanings address these areas and help prevent cavities which can lead to fillings, root canals, and eventual tooth loss.
In between dental appointments, it’s important to follow a regular oral hygiene routine to prevent gum disease and ensure your oral health is in the best shape. There are a few instructions you should follow to keep your teeth and gums in their best of health including:
- Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Floss daily
- Rinse after meals
Biannual Checkups
To avoid the time and expense required for complex dental work, early detection is the key. Our dentists believe that prevention starts with biannual checkups to ensure your oral health is on the right track.
During your biannual exam, we’ll screen you for oral cancer by thoroughly assessing your cheeks, gums, tongue, throat, face, and neck for any abnormalities or growths. If caught early on, oral cancer has a higher rate of success.
We’ll also use diagnostic tools such as x-rays to get a closer look at your teeth and gums to help catch any issues before they become problematic.
5 Steps to a Professional Cleaning
When you visit our Centuria location for a professional cleaning and a checkup, our staff will explain everything in detail so there aren’t any surprises. We’ll also offer information and tips regarding your oral health and hygiene care. Dental cleanings can be completed in the following five steps:
- We’ll check your gums for any signs of inflammation or other concerns
- We’ll remove tartar below the gum line, in between teeth, and on your teeth
- Your teeth will be polished with a gritty toothpaste which will smooth their surfaces
- We’ll floss your teeth to remove any leftover debris from the treatment and assess the health of your gums
- We’ll apply a fluoride treatment that will help prevent cavities
If we notice any signs of advanced gum disease, also called periodontitis, we’ll recommend coming in more frequently for deep cleanings. This will help prevent receding gums and tooth decay.
Gum Disease
When gum disease is in its early stages, it can be reversed with a deep cleaning. If it reaches advanced stages, known as periodontitis, regular maintenance will be necessary to stop the progression of the disease which can erode your jaw bone. There are a few signs indicating that you might have advanced gum disease including:
- Bleeding gums
- Swollen gums
- Pain with chewing
- Bad Breath
- Sensitive teeth
- Tooth mobility
- Receding gums
If you have periodontal disease, don’t wait for it to get worse. Schedule an appointment at our Centuria location by calling (715) 646-2161. At your appointment, one of our dentists or hygienists will perform a deep cleaning to alleviate your symptoms and remedy the situation.
Periodontal Treatment
When bacteria enter your gums they can form pockets that may become infected. When this happens, a periodontal treatment is necessary to stop the spread of infection and restore your oral health.
During your periodontal treatment, we’ll perform a scaling technique to remove tartar and clean above and below the gum line. Then, we’ll smooth out the roots of your teeth with root planing which will help your gums to heal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Poor oral hygiene has been linked to several health complications including:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Obesity
- Cancer
Poor oral hygiene can lead to periodontitis which is characterized by bacteria buildup in your mouth. Researchers found a correlation between the amount of bacteria buildup present in your mouth with the severity of symptoms experienced with COVID-19.
You can mitigate excess bacteria buildup by contacting our office for biannual professional cleanings and continuing your regular oral hygiene routine.
In addition to brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing between meals, you’ll want to follow a few guidelines to ensure your making the most out of your time spent caring for your oral health. These include:
- Brush your teeth before bed
- Use oral care products containing fluoride
- Brush your teeth using small circular motions to remove plaque
- Pay attention to your tongue and your gumline
- Drink more water
- Limit sugary and acidic foods
During your professional cleanings, our friendly staff can offer suggestions to improve your oral hygiene routine and discuss any areas that may need more attention.
Yes– A professional dental cleaning is necessary to address those hard to reach areas and remove stains, plaque, and tartar buildup. While brushing your teeth is vital to your dental health, often patients tend to miss certain areas.
When tartar builds up, it can cause your enamel to wear down which can cause a cavity. If you have untreated gum disease, this can lead to various health complications that may have been avoided with biannual dental checkups and professional cleanings.
While it’s impossible to reverse the effects of a gumline that’s receding, you can stop it from getting worse by scheduling biannual appointments at our Centuria location for professional cleanings and following a regular oral hygiene routine.
A receding gumline leaves the tooth’s roots exposed and creates additional space for plaque to buildup which can cause increased recession. If left untreated, a receding gumline can cause tooth and bone loss. If you have a receding gumline, schedule an appointment by calling (715) 646-2161. We’ll be happy to help you on your road to oral health.