Teeth Cleanings

How often should you get your dental checkups?

In general, you should have a teeth cleaning and dental checkup every six months. However, some people need to visit the dentist more often, while others may be fine with less frequent checkups. Our dentists will look at your oral health and recommend the best dental checkup schedule for your needs. 

Why should you schedule dental checkups?

Only a thorough examination by a trained dentist can detect many oral health issues. Dental checkups give you an oral cancer screening, digital X-rays to check for hidden problems and professional teeth cleanings that get rid of plaque bacteria and other buildup. 

Your dentist can find oral health problems early before they become bigger problems. For example, your dentist can assess you for gum disease, so you can begin treatment before it leads to tooth loss. 

What should I expect during a dental checkup?

Most dental checkups include:

• Teeth Cleaning — A professional teeth cleaning is called prophylaxis. Your dental hygienist removes plaque and tartar from your teeth. Then, they polish and floss your teeth and may even give you fluoride treatment. 
• Dental Exam — Your dentist looks at your mouth to check for cavities, gum disease and overall oral health. They may also review dental X-rays or have you do other diagnostic procedures to get a detailed view of your teeth and jaws. If they notice something, they’ll discuss treatment options with you. 

What are the signs of oral cancer?

Oral cancer is cancer that starts anywhere in the mouth. That includes the lips, tongue, throat, salivary glands, pharynx, larynx and sinuses. Early detection and treatment are critical for the best results. 

Call your dentist if you have these symptoms: 

• Difficulty moving your jaw, swallowing or speaking
• The feeling of a lump or object in your throat
• Loose teeth that don’t have another cause
• Numbness or pain anywhere in your mouth
• Pain in your ear without loss of hearing
• Red or white lesions in your mouth or on your lips
• Soreness, swelling, lumps or thick patches in or around your mouth
• Sore throat or hoarseness that won’t go away

Why are brushing and flossing important?

Regular brushing and flossing not only keep your mouth fresh and feeling great. They also disrupt the film of bacteria in your mouth that cause cavities and gum disease. We suggest that you brush at least twice a day for at least two minutes each time and floss once per day. At your appointment, ask your hygienist for toothpaste recommendations. 

What are other preventative dental care strategies?

At your teeth cleaning, we not only clean your teeth and polish off stain, but we also provide other preventative dental care services, such as: 

• Dental Sealants — Protective sealants cover the deep grooves and pits in the back of your teeth to lower your risk of tooth decay. 
• Fluoride Treatment — Fluoride can make tooth enamel stronger, help with sensitivity and reverse early stages of tooth decay. Most dental insurance plans cover fluoride treatment for children. Adult patients can take advantage of this treatment for $29. 
• Oral Cancer Screenings — The cause of oral cancer may be from a virus like HPV, sun exposure, or tobacco and alcohol use. Our dentists do a cancer screening to check for cancer at every dental checkup. 
• Diagnostic X-rays — X-rays help us find tooth decay or bone loss that we can’t see with the naked eye. With early detection, we can treat issues quickly before they become more advanced.