Preserve Oral Health With Regular Cleanings and Checkups
Good oral health relies on strong, clean teeth and gums. There are many at-home practices that promote good oral health and make it easier for individuals to avoid serious dental complications. However, every personal oral hygiene routine can benefit from professional dental care, starting with dental cleanings and checkups. At a dental cleaning with Dr. Lauren Shanard, we thoroughly clean a patient’s teeth, ridding them of buildup that is resistant to regular brushing and flossing. At the same time, a checkup examines the teeth, gums, and other soft tissues of the mouth so that any areas of concern can be addressed before serious oral health problems develop. With regular dental cleanings and checkups, our Williston, VT, patients can preserve the health and strength of their smile.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A DENTAL CLEANING AND CHECKUP
Although dental cleanings are beneficial to a person’s oral health, many individuals avoid these routine checkups. Most often, people who neglect exams and cleanings do so because they fear the unknown; they are unsure what to expect during an appointment, so they’d rather skip it altogether. We want our patients to have a thorough understanding of what they can expect during a dental cleaning and checkup so that they feel comfortable scheduling these vital appointments.
A checkup often begins with a visual examination of the teeth, gums, and other soft tissues of the mouth. Dr. Shanard will be looking for any potential signs of concern, such as sores, lesions, or unusual spots on the soft tissues of the mouth. The teeth with also be examined for any signs of damage or decay. Some checkups may also involve x-rays, which give us a closer look at the structure of the teeth and allows Dr. Shanard to diagnose dental cavities or more severe cases of tooth decay. Finally, Dr. Shanard will examine the gum tissue and look for the presence of periodontal pockets, which are signs of gum disease.
During the cleaning portion of the appointment, a dental tool will be used to scrape away plaque and tartar. We will clean the surface of the teeth as well as the spaces between the teeth to ensure there is no buildup remaining. After cleaning the teeth, we will polish them, which helps to minimize any surface stains and give the teeth a clean, bright appearance.
BENEFITS OF CLEANINGS AND CHECKUPS
Cleanings and checkups are an important preventative dental service. Some of the greatest benefits of routine exams and cleanings include:
- Dental checkups diagnose oral health problems before they reach advanced stages
- Dental cleanings keep harmful bacteria, plaque, and tartar to a minimum, which reduces the risk of serious dental complications
- Cleanings reduce the risk of gum disease
- Dental cleanings and exams can save patients the need for costly, invasive dental treatments
To ensure a patient receives the optimal benefits from dental cleanings and checkups, it is important that they undergo these services regularly. In most cases, Dr. Shanard recommends two cleanings and checkups a year, though patients who are at an increased risk of dental complications may be better suited to more frequent exams.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
Dr. Lauren J. Shanard offers a comprehensive range of dental services that allow patients to preserve the strength, health, and beauty of their smile. If you would like to learn more about these services, or are in need of a routine cleaning and checkup, schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience.