DENTAL CLEANING & CONSULTATION NEAR YOU
Dental cleanings and consultations are the foundation of preventative dentistry. Regular cleanings remove plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth to reduce the risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease. Regular dental consultations allow your dentist to evaluate your teeth, gums, and bite to determine your current level of oral health. This allows your dentist to identify any possible dental issues early on before they have a chance to escalate. This will save you both time and money, as well as decrease the chances of needing more invasive dental treatments in the future.
Did You Know?
The American Dental Association recommends that you should visit your dentist for a cleaning & consultation at least once every six months. Depending on your oral health, however, some dentists may suggest that you come in more frequently so they can monitor your oral health accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need a dental cleaning and consultation?
Has it been six months or longer since your last dental cleaning? If so, then you are due to have your teeth cleaned. Dental cleanings are essential preventative dental procedures for people of all ages. Having your teeth cleaned every six months means that any excess plaque and tartar will be removed from your teeth. This decreases the amount of bacteria in your mouth, which reduces the risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease.
Regular dental consultations are also important because they allow your dentist to help you maintain your oral health. Having a dental consultation every six months means that if dental problems were to occur, they would be diagnosed and treated in their early stages. Ultimately both of these preventative services are essential to preserve your oral health.
What happens during a dental consultation?
Before your dental consultation, your dentist will often ask for dental x-rays. Luckily, most dental offices are equipped with a dental x-ray machine. A dental assistant will walk you through the process. You can expect to have multiple images taken that consist of you biting down or holding your mouth in certain positions. Although it can seem odd at the time, these images will give your dentist an in-depth look at your underlying bone structure. Your dentist will explain any of their findings from the x-rays during your consultation.
During a dental consultation, your Kamloops dentist will perform an oral exam. They will evaluate your teeth for signs of decay, damage, or evidence of teeth grinding and clenching. Your gums will also be checked for any redness, swelling, or abnormalities. Your dentist may also measure your gum pockets to determine if any gum recession is occurring. You can also expect that your jaw and bite will be evaluated to make sure the joint is functioning properly and the bite is aligned.
Your dentist will also ask you about your medical history and list of current medications. Since oral and overall health are closely related, this provides them with more information to use when diagnosing and treating possible dental issues. This can also provide information that may suggest predispositions to certain issues and allow them to develop a preventative treatment plan with you.
What happens during a dental cleaning?
During a dental cleaning, a tool called a dental scaler will be used to remove plaque and tartar from the front and back surface of your teeth. Your teeth will then be brushed using a gritty toothpaste, flossed, and rinsed to remove any remaining debris. Finally, a fluoride polish will be brushed onto your teeth. Fluoride strengthens your tooth enamel and makes it harder for plaque to adhere to the tooth.
