Cleaning Exam

Are you considering skipping your next 6-month dental cleaning and oral exam? Consider again! Regular checkups are critical for your oral health. You can get a brighter, more beautiful smile and avoid more complex dental treatments if you see Dr. Farhana Oza-Chughtai of Westbury Dental Spa Clinic for a check-up every 6 months, saving you time, pain, and money.

Why should I have my teeth cleaned once every six months?

Simply put, it’s the best way to ensure that your mouth is healthy and that any potential oral health problems are addressed as soon as possible before they become serious. Regular cleanings can help to:

Put an end to gum disease –

Gum disease is caused by poor oral hygiene, but it is often detectable and treatable if you visit your dentist regularly.

Avoid tooth decay, cavities, and root canals –

Teeth cleanings and oral exams enable oral hygienists and dentists to detect tooth decay before it progresses to a serious cavity or tooth infection necessitating root canal therapy. Minor cases of tooth decay can often be reversed with good oral hygiene and fluoride treatments. No need for fillings!

To cure bad breath, remove plaque and tartar –

Plaque is a sticky, colorless substance made up of bacteria found in our mouths. This can harden into tartar over time. Tartar is a cement-like substance found between the teeth and gums that can cause gum inflammation and halitosis (bad breath.) Dental hygienists can remove tartar from your teeth, restoring your mouth and preventing bad breath.

Preventative dentistry can help you save money –

The most basic and least expensive procedures performed by dentists are teeth cleaning and oral exams. Furthermore, they are almost always covered by dental insurance policies. The cost of services ranges from simple fillings to complex periodontal treatment. Regular oral exams help you save money because they allow you to avoid more expensive restorative dentistry procedures.

Brighten your smile –

Last but not least, oral exams and teeth cleanings enhance your smile. Strong dental toothbrushes and professional cleaning techniques can assist in removing stains and brightening your teeth. But that’s not all. Other health issues, such as potential cases of oral cancer, can also be detected using X-rays and oral exams.

What Comes With A Dental Cleaning And Exam?

Depending on your oral health, dental cleanings, and exams can last 30-60 minutes. An oral exam will be performed to detect decay, gum disease, and oral cancer.
If your dentist does not already have an x-ray of your mouth on file, if it has been a while since you’ve had one, or if a closer look at certain teeth is required, an x-ray may be taken to get an overall view of your teeth and to help spot any signs of decay or gum disease.

Scaling will be performed by your dentist during the cleaning portion of the appointment to remove plaque and tartar buildup from above and below the gum line. A tooth scaler is a dental tool that scrapes away plaque and tartar that has hardened between your teeth. Tartar cannot be removed at home and must be removed by a professional.
Dr. Joel Darrah will clean and polish your teeth with dentist-grade gritty toothpaste to remove bacteria and stains thoroughly. Dr. Darrah will thoroughly floss between your teeth after cleaning them. Then, using a fluoride mouthwash, rinse away any remaining debris.

A fluoride treatment concludes the appointment. The fluoride varnish will be applied to your teeth in a matter of minutes. You will then be asked to rinse it out and refrain from eating for the next 30 minutes. Fluoride treatments contain higher fluoride concentrations than at-home products, providing significant protection against cavities and tooth decay.

How Do I Keep My Teeth Clean In Between Dental Visits?

Even if you don’t go to the dentist, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene all year. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day is recommended. Brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to ensure proper brushing. Don’t use a hard-bristled toothbrush or brush too abrasively, as this can damage your enamel or gums over time.

To thoroughly remove plaque and food particles from your teeth and gums, tilt your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle. If you don’t replace your toothbrush every three months, it can harbor harmful bacteria.

The tongue, which harbors a lot of bacteria, is one area of the mouth that patients frequently overlook. Brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper after brushing your teeth. Consume enough fluoride by drinking fluoridated water and using fluoride-containing toothpaste and mouthwash.

Finally, protect your teeth by only chewing food with them. Teeth should not be used as tools to open packages or for any other purpose. Wear a mouthguard at night if you grind your teeth to reduce your chances of cracking or chipping them.

Drink plenty of water and eat fibrous vegetables to maintain a healthy diet. Sugar, carbohydrates, and acidic drinks should be avoided because they increase your risk of cavities and tooth decay.

What Toothbrush Is Recommended By Dentists?

The most important thing to remember when brushing your teeth is to do it correctly and for the appropriate amount of time. If you’re doing it correctly, the toothbrush you use will have little effect. Dentists, on the other hand, recommend using a soft-bristle toothbrush because stiff bristles are ineffective at cleaning your teeth and can cause enamel erosion.

A toothbrush with a small, round head is preferable because it is easier to maneuver in the back of the mouth to clean the back molars’ difficult-to-reach crevices. Electric toothbrushes, particularly those that rotate and oscillate, can also be more effective at removing plaque.
While manual toothbrushes are equally effective, they require a bit more effort and scrubbing. As a result, electric toothbrushes can help you clean your teeth more effectively.

Children should be included in the cleaning process as much as possible to get them excited about it. Allowing them to choose their toothbrush is one way to make toothbrushing more enjoyable. They are more likely to use it if they have a say in the matter. Also, keep an eye on them while they brush their teeth and limit the amount of toothpaste they use.

Dr. Darrah is an excellent choice if you require an emergency dentist in Westbury for you and your children. She believes strongly in the value of preventative dental care and regular checkups. You will have everything you need to take control of your oral health thanks to our informative, patient-centered approach to dentistry.