What constitutes a dental cleaning?
The teeth cleaning procedure at The Greenpoint Dentist commences with a visual examination to evaluate the condition of your gums and teeth. X-rays may also be included, particularly if they haven't been performed recently, to detect any issues that may not be visible to the naked eye.
Following the x-rays, the cleaning process initiates. Using specialized instruments, your hygienist meticulously removes areas of tartar and plaque from your teeth. Depending on the extent of tartar buildup, this phase of the cleaning process may require some time.
Once the plaque and tartar are effectively removed, the dentist or hygienist employs a high-powered brush and specialized toothpaste to provide a comprehensive polishing, followed by professional flossing. Additionally, you may receive a fluoride treatment to aid in cavity prevention and tooth decay until your subsequent cleaning appointment.
Is professional teeth cleaning necessary?
Absolutely. Even if you diligently brush and floss after every meal and before bedtime, plaque, housing bacteria, can accumulate in the smallest crevices, grooves, and pits of your teeth. Over time, decay may occur in these areas, potentially leading to pain and eventual tooth loss.
A less common yet noteworthy benefit is that regular dental cleanings might reduce your risk of pneumonia by diminishing the number of bacteria reaching your lungs. Furthermore, conditions such as arthritis, kidney disease, and diabetes have been linked to oral health, underscoring the importance of professional teeth cleaning for overall health and wellness.
How frequently should teeth be cleaned?
For optimal health, most individuals should undergo teeth cleaning every six months. However, if you have conditions necessitating more frequent dental cleanings, such as a history of gum disease or tooth decay, you may benefit from more frequent appointments.
Ultimately, it's advisable to consult with a team member at The Greenpoint Dentist to devise a schedule tailored to your individual needs.
What post-visit guidelines should I adhere to?
Between dental cleanings and consultations at The Greenpoint Dentist, maintaining good oral hygiene habits at home is essential. This entails daily flossing, rinsing, and brushing after meals. Additionally, using fluoridated water and toothpaste is crucial.
To stay proactive about your dental health, schedule a teeth cleaning online or contact The Greenpoint Dentist today.
Ignoring a dental emergency can have severe repercussions across various aspects of your health and well-being. One immediate consequence is the intense pain often associated with dental emergencies, disrupting daily life and overall comfort. This pain, if disregarded, can aggravate the underlying issue, complicating its treatment.
Moreover, dental emergencies like abscesses or untreated cavities carry the risk of infection. Failure to address these infections promptly can lead to their spread to other parts of the body, posing serious health threats. Additionally, emergencies such as cracked or knocked-out teeth can inflict damage on surrounding teeth and tissues. Without timely intervention, this damage may escalate, resulting in further dental complications and potentially necessitating more extensive treatment in the future.
Furthermore, neglecting a dental emergency, particularly one involving trauma or injury to a tooth, increases the likelihood of losing the affected tooth. Swift action significantly enhances the chances of saving the tooth and averting further complications. Financially, delaying treatment can lead to costlier procedures later on, as issues escalate and necessitate more invasive interventions.
Beyond oral health, the consequences extend to systemic health, with poor oral health contributing to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Ignoring a dental emergency exacerbates these risks by allowing oral health problems to persist untreated, potentially impacting overall health. Therefore, seeking prompt dental care for any emergency is crucial to prevent complications and ensure optimal oral and systemic health outcomes.
We look forward to treating you as a patient.
