Your dental health hinges on two important routines. The first is the appointment you should make for yourself every 6 months for a professional dental cleaning. The second is your at-home daily oral hygiene regimen.
A Preventive Dental Cleaning (Prophylaxis) is a professional cleaning and polishing of your teeth, accompanied by an examination that looks for any issues that could be arising. The benefits of semi-annual cleaning include:
- Plaque removal. Tartar (also referred to as calculus) and plaque buildup can occur both above and below the gum line, and can lead over time to serious periodontal problems. Your hygienist is trained to find plaque buildup in every corner of your mouth and eliminate it.
- A healthier, happier smile. A professional dental cleaning can lighten your teeth if you have surface staining, resulting in a whiter, brighter smile. (If after cleaning you still have stained or darkened teeth, ask about our tooth whitening options.)
- Fresher breath. Halitosis (the scientific word for bad breath) is often a sign of periodontal disease. Food particles stuck and rotting below the gum-line combined with the smell of gum infection can quickly lead to bad breath.
- Early detection. We will be able to see your teeth every six months and note any changes, including dark or soft spots that could indicate decay or puffiness and bleeding that could indicate a gum infection.
Preventive Dental Cleanings are performed in our Kansas City office. For basic prevention, dental cleanings should be scheduled every 6 months; patients with gum (periodontal) disease sufferers should schedule more thorough dental cleanings every 3-4 months to help slow the progression of gum disease.
Oral Hygiene is a daily process. It should be consistent and follow the example demonstrated for you at your in-office visit. Our team is always ready and willing to show you the proper procedure for brushing and flossing! Benefits of proper at-home oral care include reduced risk of tooth loss, cavities, and gum disease.
