How Often Should You Schedule a Dental Exam and Cleaning?
You brush and floss your teeth regularly, never missing a beat. So, do you still need to visit your dentist for regular dental exams and cleanings? Even if you take the best care of your teeth and gums at home, regular dental visits are key to safeguarding your smile. At North Mountain Dentistry, we offer personalized preventive care to help lay the foundation for a lifetime of oral health. Contact our practice in Phoenix to schedule a consultation today.
How Often Should You Schedule Your Preventive Dental Visits?
The recommended frequency of dental exams and cleanings depends on your current oral health, individual oral hygiene habits, general health status, medical conditions, and risk for oral health problems. In general, most patients in good oral health benefit from dental exams and cleanings scheduled twice a year. If, however, you have periodontal (gum) disease or you have risk factors for dental disease, we may recommend more frequent dental visits.
But what if you have any concerns between your regular visits? A toothache, chipped tooth, or bleeding gums should never wait. Call us to schedule an appointment. The sooner we address your concerns, the better the long-term outcomes for your smile.
What Happens During Your Comprehensive Exam?
We typically begin your comprehensive exam by taking a full-mouth series of digital X-rays to detect hidden concerns, such as early decay, bone loss, root problems, or impacted teeth. Next is a thorough oral exam to check for signs of tooth decay or wear, chips or fractures, periodontal disease, damaged dental restorations, or a misaligned bite. We will also conduct a TMJ examination and an oral cancer screening to evaluate the health of your oral tissues and identify any abnormalities as early as possible.
After your exam, we will walk you through our findings and create a custom treatment plan outlining any immediate restorative needs and recommended preventive care to keep your smile healthy and sound.
How About Your Professional Cleaning?
Did you know that plaque and tartar are the leading causes of tooth decay and periodontal disease? Even with the best brushing and flossing habits, they can build up on your teeth and gum line over time.
During your cleaning, our dental hygienist will gently remove any plaque and tartar that have accumulated over time, followed by flossing and polishing your teeth, helping remove surface stains and leaving your smile fresh and bright. We may also recommend a fluoride treatment to reduce your risk of future cavities.
Our team is always here to offer tips and guidance on effective brushing and flossing techniques. Our goal is to ensure your smile stays healthy between your regular cleanings.
The Importance of Regular Dental Exams and Cleanings
Regular exams and cleanings are the cornerstone of preventive dentistry, helping reduce your risk of tooth decay, periodontal disease, and other oral health problems. They also allow us to detect any concerns in their earliest stages, preventing the need for extensive, costly treatments down the road.
Keeping your smile healthy can also have a positive impact on your overall health. Oral health problems, such as advanced periodontal disease, have been linked to serious health concerns, including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, and respiratory infections. Keeping up with your dental exams and cleanings at the intervals recommended by our dentist can help enhance your smile and overall well-being.
Dental Exams and Cleanings Near Me in Phoenix, AZ
If you are new to the area or are due for your comprehensive exam and cleaning, our team at North Mountain Dentistry is here for you. We offer personalized preventive care to help halt the onset or progression of dental disease. We strive to keep your smile healthy and confident for many years to come. Call us at 602-285-9979 to schedule your appointment or request one online today.