As a family dental office at Yonge and Lawrence, we offer a number of treatments, including repairing, restoring, and replacing teeth. Even though these are all treatments we are proud to offer, we prefer to save natural teeth whenever we can. That is why preventative dentistry is so important. By maintaining optimal oral hygiene today, you can minimize the need for more invasive treatments in the future. Today, we will discuss how regular dental hygiene appointments are an asset to your long-term oral health.
The importance of teeth cleanings
Dental hygiene visits are scheduled according to the recommendation of your dentist. Some patients have teeth cleanings every six months, while others visit the hygienist every three or four months. But why are these appointments necessary in the first place? The bacteria that thrive in the oral cavity begin to repopulate every few months. Therefore, a cleaning is necessary to remove plaque, tartar, and other irritants so that the bacteria levels can return to baseline. When disease-causing bacteria begins to accumulate, some patients react more severely than others. For example, some individuals are more prone to decay and gum disease. In these cases, more frequent teeth cleanings are recommended.
What to expect at your dental hygiene appointment
During your teeth cleaning, our hygienist will use a combination of ultrasonic scalers and hand instruments to gently remove plaque and tartar. Your teeth will then be polished to remove any staining. If updated radiographs are required, we will take x-rays to assess for decay, gum disease, and other issues. Dr. Goldstein may also step in to perform a comprehensive dental exam if it has been awhile since your last one. If any areas seem vulnerable to decay, we may recommend topical fluoride treatment or dental sealants. Additionally, any dental damage will be discussed with you along with recommended treatment.
Maintaining optimal oral health between dental cleanings
Dental hygiene appointments are vital to a proper oral care regimen. However, maintaining your smile between visits is just as important. As a general rule, patients should brush their teeth at least twice a day, and floss at least once a day. An antibacterial, alcohol-free mouthwash can also be used to keep germs at bay and keep your breath fresh. In some cases, specialized tools may be necessary, such as floss threaders, interproximal brushes, or rubber tip stimulators. During your dental cleaning appointment, our team can work with you to develop a personalized at-home oral hygiene routine. Because each patient is unique, specific dental needs can vary for every individual. If you have questions, ask us! We are always happy to help our patients achieve and maintain optimal oral health.
Other considerations
Visiting your dental hygienist regularly can help our team monitor your oral health and identify potential problems early on. For example, if you have your teeth cleaned every six months, your dentist is more apt to detect issues in the treatable stage than if you had not been to our dental office in over a year. This may not only save you from requiring a more invasive treatment, but could save you money in the long run.
Learn more about oral hygiene and dental cleanings
If it has been a while since your last teeth cleaning, schedule an appointment at our North York dental clinic. For your convenience, we are located right at Yonge and Lawrence. Feel free to contact us online or call our office at 416-224-8300.