Dental hygiene in Weston, FL
Good oral hygiene is the key to preventing most dental issues, such as cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
This can be achieved by brushing your teeth twice and flossing daily. However, the aid of your dentist is vital to ensure everything is alright with your teeth and gums.
Moreover, only your dentist or dental hygienist can perform a dental cleaning to thoroughly remove the dental calculus around your teeth. This is done during your regular dental checkup and has several benefits.
At Advantage Dental, we make sure that you leave our office with your teeth clean and healthy.
What is a dental hygiene appointment?
A dental hygiene appointment is a regular appointment to get your teeth cleaned and your mouth examined.
Dental cleaning, also known as dental prophylaxis, is a simple procedure that consists in removing plaque and dental calculus from your teeth.
Afterward, the hygienist polishes your teeth using a special paste. This leaves them smooth and shiny. It also makes it harder for plaque to build up again.
Dental cleaning is often performed by the hygienist. However, the dentist can also do it, especially if you suffer from periodontitis and require deep dental cleaning.
Furthermore, kids, teens, and adults can develop caries, gum disease, and breath. Therefore, everyone must visit the dentist for a dental checkup.
What happens during a dental hygiene appointment?
The appointment begins with a dental exam. The hygienist or dentist performs a thorough checkup of your teeth, gums, and other tissues in your mouth. This way, it is possible to identify oral issues just as any defect your current restorations might have.
The hygienist might also take specific x-rays to detect underlying cavities and any condition in the bone.
Afterward, the dental cleaning is performed. This is the only way to remove dental calculus since it is strongly attached, and the toothbrush can't remove it. This is followed by teeth polishing.
How is a dental cleaning performed?
Dental cleanings are performed using an instrument called a scaler. This instrument possesses a sharp tip that helps break and detach dental calculus from the teeth.
The scaler can be either manual or ultrasonic.
Ultrasonic scalers have a specialized mechanism that allows the tip to vibrate at high speed while also spraying water. This makes it easier for the clinician to remove calculus. This device also removes dental plaque.
How often should I get a cleaning?
The waiting time between dental cleanings varies depending on each case.
Usually, people should visit the dentist for a dental cleaning every 6 months. This allows the dentist to detect any early signs of disease and treat the condition.
However, some patients have medical conditions that make them more susceptible to oral issues, such as diabetes. In these cases, the dentist can create a personalized treatment plan with more frequent dental exams and prophylaxis.
Visit us at Advantage Dental in Florida to get a dental cleaning and a checkup to ensure your teeth are healthy and vigorous.
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See also:
Dental sealants in Weston, FL
Dental sealants are usually applied to children's teeth as a preventive measure during the years of most likely tooth decay. However, an adult's teeth can also be sealed. Using dental sealants on your teeth gives you an extra line of defense against tooth decay. A dental sealant is a plastic resin that bonds to the deep grooves in your tooth's chewing surface. When sealing a tooth, the grooves of your teeth are filled and the tooth surface becomes smoother and less likely to harbor plaque.