Daily brushing and flossing are crucial for maintaining optimum oral health, but regular visits to the dentist are important as well. The standard recommendation of most dentists is to visit every six months, though depending on the condition of your teeth and gums, Dr. Salami may suggest that you come more or less frequently. Dental cleaning and dental checkups are the most common components of a routine dental visit, though the exact treatment plan can vary from person to person. Here’s what you need to know.
Dental Exam San Diego, near Escondido, Poway and Rancho Bernardo
DENTAL CLEANING SAN DIEGO
Professional dental cleaning is one of the main reasons Dr. Salami recommends that patients visit every six-months. Even people who are consistent about brushing and flossing have certain hard-to-reach areas between or around their teeth that don’t quite get clean with at-home oral care practices. When plaque builds up in these spaces, it can cause tooth discoloration, bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease. Dental hygienists have a better vantage point as well as specialized tools that enable them to find and clean those nooks and crannies before dental issues arise.
The standard procedures involved in a routine dental cleaning include:
- Tooth scaling – to scrape tartar from the surface of your teeth, or in certain cases, below the gum line as well.
- Polish and floss – to remove food particles and plaque from the surface of your teeth as well as between them. Polishing also helps to treat stains and to give your teeth a smooth surface that plaque can’t stick to.
- Fluoride treatment – If the dental paste used to clean your teeth does not contain fluoride, your dental cleaning may include a fluoride treatment to help strengthen your tooth enamel and protect against cavities.
In people who have developed gum disease, pockets may form in the gums, giving tartar and plaque a place to hide below the gumline. When this happens, deep cleaning procedures may be necessary. These typically include:
- Root planing and scaling – two procedures intended to remove plaque and tartar below the gumline, and to smooth out the tooth roots so that the gums can reconnect to the tooth roots.
In the case of gum disease and gum pockets, Dr. Salami may recommend more frequent dental cleanings (every three or four months) until the pockets close.
DENTAL CHECKUP SAN DIEGO
In addition to cleaning and polishing, routine visits include a thorough dental examination to ensure that you are in good oral health and to catch any potential dental problems that may have developed since your last visit. During the exam, Dr Salami or the dental hygienist will:
- Screen for signs of oral cancer
- Look for signs of tooth decay
- Check for signs of gum disease
- Assess jawbone health
- Check your teeth alignment
Identifying and treating tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental issues at an early stage increases your chance of a successful outcome. It can also save you the time and money required to manage more serious dental complications that arise when they’re left untreated.
The Benefits of Routine Checkups and Cleanings
Nobody loves the idea of going to the dentist. But the more consistent you are with your routine dental appointments, the more comfortable you’ll get. People who brush and floss daily and visit their dentist every six months typically experience uneventful dental checkups. The more often that happens, the easier it becomes to attend your appointments consistently. In case that’s not enough to convince you, here are 7 more benefits of routine checkups and cleanings:
Prevent plaque buildup
Regular professional dental cleanings help clear plaque from your teeth and gums before it can do damage.
Prevent cavities
Stopping plaque buildup on the surface of your teeth and between your teeth is the key to preventing cavities.
Stop gum disease
Once gum disease sets in, there’s no cure, but regular dental cleanings and a strong oral health routine at home can stop it from advancing.
Decrease your risk of serious dental problems
Even if your dentist does find a cavity, swelling in your gums, or other signs of minor dental issues, early detection allows you to get a headstart on treatment before little issues become big issues.
Maintain optimum oral health
Your dentist is your partner in maintaining your oral health. You do your part at home when you brush and floss daily. Your routine visits with Dr. Salami allow her to do her part in keeping your teeth and gums in tiptop shape as well.
Peace of mind
One thing that most people don’t consider is the mental toll it takes when you skip your dental appointments. The worry and anxiety that come with not knowing if you have cavities or gum disease can take up a lot of mental space. But once you attend your appointment, you can check it off your list and feel good knowing that you’re taking care of yourself and your teeth. And the more consistent you are, the less likely that you’ll develop major dental issues.
Improved smile
A bright, white, healthy smile is attractive and welcoming. But the foods we eat, our daily habits, certain medicaitons, and other health conditions can wear our teeth down, stain them, crack them, or make them vulnerable to decay. Routine visits to your dentist help restore your smile back to its natural radiance so you can keep on letting it shine.
SCHEDULE YOUR LASER DENTISTRY CONSULTATION
If you’re looking for a compassionate and highly experienced dentist in Rancho Bernardo, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you need a dental exam and cleaning or any other maintenance, restorative, or cosmetic dentistry services, Dr. Salami provides excellent service and quality dentistry. We serve Rancho Bernardo, Escondido, Poway, and Carmel Valley. Give us a call at to schedule an appointment today.