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://ericlarsondds.com or call Eric A. Larson DDS at (801) 871-8983 for an appointment in our Salt Lake City office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Salt Lake City, UT.
Visiting the dentist can be an anxiety-inducing event for many people. The biggest reason for this is that general dentistry appointments are often associated with painful procedures and a perceived loss of control as you lay back and let the dentist and dental assistant perform their duties. It might also be possible that you are…
A general dentist can relieve a toothache after a proper assessment. This type of dental problem is often accompanied by swelling. It may even occur with a migraine, fever, or earache. Tooth pain needs immediate treatment. Here are the details on what a general dentist can do for a toothache.Each toothache is different. That is…
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…
Tooth decay is one of the most common oral health concerns that general dentistry offices deal with. The good news is that there are effective and minimally invasive ways to treat most cases of tooth decay, and patients can prevent tooth decay from developing through good oral hygiene practices and regular dental cleanings.Tooth decay is…
Invisalign® for teens refers to the clear plastic device worn to straighten teeth as an alternative to metal braces. Many people opt to wear these types of devices when they are in their teenage years, but they can be worn by adults as well. Invisalign has the added benefits of being removable and less noticeable…
Invisalign® clear aligner trays are not just for adults; teenagers and some children can also benefit from this treatment system. Many teens prefer Invisalign® over traditional braces because of the numerous advantages it offers, including:Discreet treatment appliancesMore comfort throughout the entire processRemovable trays for improved oral hygieneWhile wearing these trays is easy and relatively effortless,…