Why is it important to get dental cleanings?
Dental cleanings and preventive care appointments are an essential part of your oral health care regimen. Even if you brush and floss religiously, your efforts can’t compare to a thorough cleaning from a professional dental hygienist. To remove tough tartar, you need to come in for a cleaning.
Another reason you should get regular dental checkups is that minor problems are much easier to fix than major ones. For example, it’s much easier for Dr. Bell to fill in a small cavity than it is for him to repair a severely decayed tooth.
Early diagnosis is critical to ensure the most affordable and minimally invasive care possible. Preventive care appointments keep small issues from growing into significant procedures.
Even if your teeth are perfectly healthy, you can benefit from regular visits to The Bell Dental Group. Dr. Bell recommends healthy patients come in about once every six months for preventive care appointments.
What happens during a dental cleaning?
At The Bell Dental Group, a registered dental hygienist performs your teeth cleaning.
First, the hygienist scrapes plaque and tartar from your teeth with a special instrument. Then, they polish your teeth with a rotating brush and toothpaste. They may also apply a fluoride gel to strengthen your teeth.
After your cleaning, the hygienist reviews tips on home care methods for maintaining a healthy set of teeth. These tips may include:
- How to brush effectively
- Daily flossing
- Using mouthwash
What does a dentist check for during a regular exam?
After cleaning your teeth, Dr. Bell performs a comprehensive exam to check for any abnormalities. He thoroughly inspects your entire mouth, including all teeth and soft tissues.
He may take digital X-rays to make sure your teeth are growing in proper alignment. These X-rays provide significant information that helps Dr. Bell diagnose any problems with your mouth.
During the exam, Dr. Bell checks for the following dental problems:
- Tooth decay
- Tooth grinding
- Gum disease
- Misaligned teeth
If you have great teeth and want to keep them that way, set up a preventive care appointment and cleaning with The Bell Dental Group by calling or booking online today.
