Why You’Re Routine Dental Cleaning Is Not Routine

For many patients, the dental cleaning appointment may seem little more than a more complicated version of brushing your teeth.

However, this appointment plays a crucial role in patient education and prevention of dental disease.

The appointment is called a dental prophylaxis, or prophecy and it's one of the most important steps in your dental care program.

Here are some of the elements that it may include, depending on your needs:

- Oral hygiene evaluation

- Tooth brushing and flossing instructions

- Scaling above the gum to remove plaque and tartar

- Debridement of tartar beneath the gum

- Polishing the teeth

- Periodontal charting

It's important to remove plaque from the teeth as it ultimately forms a hard, rough sediment known as tartar or calculus, which must be removed by a dental professional to help prevent periodontal disease.

Polishing the teeth removes stains and creates a feeling of fresh breath and a clean mouth.

The hygienist or dentist may recommend a prophylaxis visit every two to six months.

Although insurance may only cover two prophesies a year, recall frequency depends on many factors and should be based on individual needs.

These appointments can help you have much better dental health and could save you a great deal of time and money in the long run.

Contact your Dentist Bridgman MI quickly and they will help you take actions to make improvements.

Why it's not inevitable that you'll lose your teeth as you get older

Advancements in dental techniques and the increased focus on preventive dentistry means older adults are keeping their natural teeth longer than ever before. A survey by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research showed that the rate of toothlessness in the 55 to 64 age group has dropped 60 percent since 1960. Whatever your age, its important to practice good oral hygiene at home and to visit your dentist regularly. A few simple steps can help you maintain good oral health throughout your life. Plaque, the sticky, colorless layer of bacteria that causes tooth decay and gum disease, can build up quickly on the teeth of older adults, particularly when they neglect oral hygiene. This can increase the risk for tooth decay and periodontal disease. So its important to brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaners. Regular dental checkups are also an important part of caring for your teeth. This can help you save your teeth and gums and prevent other dental problems. It will save you time and money in the long-run as well. Contact your Dentist Bridgman MI quickly and they will help you take actions to make improvements.