The American Dental Association suggests that all patients have their oral health evaluated and teeth professionally cleaned at least twice a year. You’ve probably heard the same recommendation in commercials or from parents, teachers, and physicians. But no one wants to do something just because they’re told to. In today’s blog, you’ll learn why six-month dental checkups and cleanings are so important.
At Wren Street Dental, Dr. Shergill and our team of dental experts care for families from the Mission, BC area. Our high-tech, comfortable dental office and attentive team offer preventive dental checkups and cleanings, as well as restorative, cosmetic, and prosthetic dentistry. Call 604-820-8702 to book your visit now.
In case it’s been a while since your last dental checkup and cleaning, here’s a brief overview of what these appointments entail.
About Preventive Checkups
Dr. Shergill will want to discuss your medications, medical history, and dental history, as well as your expectations and concerns before he begins your dental checkup. Throughout the appointment, you can ask questions and voice concerns, and Dr. Shergill will happily take time to respond. We believe that if you learn about your dental health and treatment options, you can make wise, informed treatment decisions.
During your checkup, the dentist will inspect all your teeth, looking for damaged dental work and new issues, such as decay, tooth wear, and fractures. Most patients do not know this, but a thorough dental checkup also includes a head and assessment so the dentist can note any suspicious lumps or lesions. He can also talk with you about treatment for issues like painful jaw joints, teeth grinding, and snoring.
The dentist will also assess your soft tissues, which include your gums, the inside of your cheeks and lips, your upper and lower palates, and your tongue. If he notes gum disease, potential oral cancer lesions, or other problems, he will advise you of treatment options.
About Preventive Dental Cleanings
At dental cleanings, one of our gentle hygienists will probe your gums and record gum pocket depths. Periodontal pockets, as they’re also called, harbor plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) that destroy connective tissues holding gums to teeth. Healthy gums are important to the support of your teeth. Pocket depths of over 5mm can indicate the presence of gum disease. If you have gum disease, you’ll need a deep dental cleaning, which could require a few appointments.
At a regular cleaning, for patients with no signs of gum disease, the hygienist will use ultrasonic scaling to remove plaque, tartar, and food debris from on and between all of your teeth. Ultrasonic cleanings emit vibrations to clean the teeth, whereas traditional cleaning relies on a manual dental scraper. Patients often prefer ultrasonic cleaning because it’s more comfortable.
The hygienist will floss your teeth and polish them to a nice sheen and silky texture. If you have any questions about your oral health, daily oral care routine, or dental care products, ask the hygienist, and she’ll be happy to provide advice. She can also demonstrate how to floss effectively if you find flossing difficult.
Excellent Reasons to Book 6-Month Dental Checkups and Cleanings
Regular dental checkups and cleanings deliver myriad benefits, including but not limited to:
- Lower dental costs: When we find and treat tooth decay, infections, fractures, and other dental or periodontal issues in their early stages, treatment usually costs less because the damage is minimal.
- Improve overall health: Because the mouth is a portal to the whole body, bad oral bacteria and infections can negatively impact whole-body health. By finding and treating dental and gum problems, we can help you maintain a healthy mouth.
- More conservative treatment options: Our goal, and hopefully yours, is to provide conservative restorations that allow the maximum retention of natural tissues. By finding dental and periodontal issues within six months of their onset, the issues are usually minor to moderate. Less damage needs less invasive and extensive treatment, in most cases.
- A more attractive smile: Over time, plaque and tartar can make teeth appear yellowish or brownish, which is unattractive. With twice-a-year dental cleanings, most people’s smiles look bright and healthy. Deep stains may need teeth whitening treatment, which we also provide, along with other cosmetic treatments.
- Fresher breath: No one wants to have or be around someone with bad breath, also called halitosis. Bad oral bacteria, plaque, tartar, stuck food debris, and infection smell terrible. We will help keep your oral health and breath in check. If you need professional breath treatment we can advise you on the best options.
- Retain natural teeth longer: With modern dental care and oral health education, more people than in any previous generation keep their natural teeth throughout life. Note that dental decay and gum disease will not heal if left untreated, so professional dental care is important.
Schedule Your 6-Month Dental Checkup and Cleaning Now
Wren Street Dental is located in Mission, BC, and we treat patients of all ages. If it’s time for your six-month dental checkup and cleaning, or if you’ve noticed issues like tooth pain, gum swelling, or bad breath, call us at 604-820-8702 to book your appointment with Dr. Shergill.
