Regular dental exams and dental cleanings near you are essential if you want to keep your gums and teeth in healthy condition, and these two key parts of preventative dentistry are usually performed in tandem with each other during routine dental visits once every six months.
Along with oral health benefits such as reducing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay, dental cleanings in Lethbridge also help you maintain your overall health. Your mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria that can cause infections that can spread to your vital organs, such as your heart and lungs.
Our team at Absolute Dental tells you all you need to know about dental cleanings in this blog post.
What Happens During a Dental Exam?
Visiting a dentist near you for a checkup every six months will prevent any minor dental issues from becoming serious and painful problems and help you to avoid lengthy and costly treatments in the future.
During your dental exam, your dentist will look for any oral health problems but also detect symptoms of other medical conditions that affect other parts of your body, such as:
- Kidney issues
- Sinus infections
- Respiratory problems
- Diabetes
- Liver problems
Your dentist will also perform an oral cancer screening to ensure that you are cancer-free and there are no abnormalities present in your mouth that need attention.
What is Involved in a Professional Dental Cleaning?
Bacteria, plaque, and tartar can build up on your teeth and along your gum line, even if you are diligent about brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at night.
Getting a professional dental cleaning will eliminate these harmful substances that could otherwise cause serious problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss.
During your dental cleaning, your dental hygienist will:
- Remove all lingering plaque and tartar
- Floss your teeth
- Polish your teeth
- Provide you with a fluoride treatment to strengthen your tooth enamel
Similar to dental exams, professional dental cleanings also work to keep your teeth and body healthy and protected from serious medical conditions. Researchers have found that there is likely a link between gum disease and serious health problems such as brain disorders, heart disease, and an increased risk of cancer.
Taking Care of Your Teeth at Home
Even if you visit your dentist in Lethbridge every six months for professional dental cleaning, you still need to care for your gums and teeth while at home in-between visits. An excellent oral hygiene routine includes:
- Using fluoridated toothpaste to brush twice a day
- Flossing once a day
- Rinsing your mouth with mouthwash at least once a day
If you notice any abnormalities in your mouth, toothache, bleeding gums, or a sore jaw, then contact your dentist for a checkup. They can examine your mouth and provide you with advice and treatment.
If you follow these tips, then you will benefit from optimal oral health for many years to come.
Visit Absolute Dental
If it has been over six months since you last saw a dentist, then it is time for your next dental cleaning and exam. At Absolute Dental, we are happy to offer this preventative dentistry service to all of our patients. Please contact us to book your appointment today!