Why Are Check Ups And Scale and Cleans Important?
Regular dental check ups and teeth scale and cleans are important for sustaining the overall health and wellness of your teeth and gums. Along with taking care of your body through proper diet and exercise, it’s also important to maintain your oral health. Ideally, regular dental checkups should be scheduled every six months, and sometimes sooner if your oral health tends to be more problematic. During a routine checkup, the teeth and gums are examined and then cleaned by a dentist.
What Happens During A Check Up & Scale and Clean?
In a routine checkup, your dentist will check your neck, mouth, and tongue for oral diseases such as oral cancer, check for plaque and tartar (calculus) around your gums for gum disease, and then floss, scale and clean, and polish your teeth. Your teeth will also be checked for any decay or cracks. Any necessary treatment will be discussed with you and treatment options and costs presented to you.
What Other Information Is Needed?
Along with the aforementioned procedures, radiographs (or x-rays) of the teeth are also taken once every 2-3 years. Radiographs serve to give the dentist a deep inside view of teeth. Cavities or nerve issues are often identified during the dental checkup and cleaning appointment. Radiographs may be needed more frequently if you are at higher risk of getting decay or gum disease.
What You Need To Do At Home Between Check Ups & Scale and Cleans?
In between dental check ups and scale and cleans, it’s important to do your part at home to maintain the health of your mouth, teeth, and gums. Remember to brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and use a mouthwash to help control troublesome sticky plaque. When brushing your teeth at home, it’s imperative to remove all plaque — a clear, sticky layer of bacteria — from teeth before it hardens and turns into calculus. Once plaque turns into calculus, it can no longer be removed at home. Calculus must be removed with special instruments by the dentist during your cleaning. If left on the teeth, calculus can cause tooth decay, gum infections, and/or tooth loss. Not only will your teeth and gums stay healthy, but your breath will also be fresh.