Regular checkups are essential for promoting good oral health and preventing future problems. At your initial dental visit, your dentist will take a thorough look at your teeth and gums to make sure all is well. Even with regular brushing and flossing at home, your teeth still need professional attention about twice a year. During these appointments, your dentist will look for cavities, check for signs of gum disease, and look for other potential problems. Here are some things to know before heading to the dentist for your next checkup and cleaning:
How do you clean your teeth?
Regularly brushing your teeth with a toothbrush and fluoride-rich toothpaste is the foundation of cleaning your teeth. You can also use a special toothbrush for children or people with braces, a special device for people with dental implants, or an electric toothbrush. Toothpaste is not created equal, though. You may want to consider changing your regular toothpaste brand to a specialty toothpaste made for teeth with special needs like braces or implants. If you wear braces, you can also use special scissors called interdental brushes to clean between your teeth and gums. If you have sensitive teeth or gums, you may want to use a special fluoride-free toothpaste. If you use a mouthwash, make sure it’s alcohol-free.
What to expect during your first cleaning?
During your first cleaning, your dentist will remove the buildup of plaque and bacteria that cause bad breath and tooth decay. Once your teeth are clean and bacteria-free, you can continue to keep them that way by practicing good oral hygiene at home. Be sure to brush your teeth for at least two minutes, floss once a day (or as often as recommended), and clean your tongue to help prevent harmful bacteria from building up and causing bad breath. Your dentist may also suggest using a mouthwash to rinse your mouth out between meals.
How often should I see a dentist?
For most people, visiting the dentist twice a year is ideal. Your dentist will check your teeth and gums for signs of problems and infections, clean your teeth, and make sure they are at their best. Some people need to see their dentist more often. If you have a history of gum disease or other oral health problems, or if you have a child who grinds their teeth, you may need to visit the dentist more often. If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area, you can find a dental professional in your area here.
When is a dental cleaning necessary?
If you feel like you need to brush your teeth more than once a day, you may have a problem with buildup of bacteria and food. If you notice your teeth or gums are sensitive to hot or cold, have a bad taste in your mouth, or you have red or swollen gums, you might have a problem with a buildup of bacteria. If you have any of these problems, see your dentist as soon as possible so they can help you avoid more serious problems like cavities and gum disease.
How to avoid cavities?
Cavities happen when bacteria in your mouth eat away at your teeth, often forming a hole in the tooth’s enamel. You can lower your risk of getting a cavity by following these tips:
Eat a nutritious diet. Stay away from sugary foods and drinks, and be sure to brush your teeth after eating. Sugar feeds bacteria that cause cavities, so if you’re eating food and drinks that contain sugar, you need to brush your teeth more often.
Rinse with a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is an important part of any good toothpaste, and it helps prevent cavities. Use a fluoride toothpaste, even if your toothpaste doesn’t have fluoride in it.
Floss and brush your teeth at least twice a day. This helps get rid of food particles that could lead to a cavity.
See your dentist twice a year for a checkup and teeth cleaning. This is the best way to make sure cavities don’t become a problem.
If your gums look swollen or red, what does that mean?
If you notice your gums are swollen or red, contact your dentist. Gum disease can be serious, and you need to see your dentist as soon as possible. Gum disease is caused by a buildup of bacteria in your mouth that cannot be removed by brushing and flossing. If left untreated, this bacteria can cause teeth to become loose, which can make eating and speaking difficult.
What to do if you have a red or swollen gums?
If you have red or swollen gums, see your dentist as soon as possible. Your gums may have become inflamed as a result of a dental infection, may be a sign of a more serious problem, or could just be a sign that you’re not brushing and flossing enough. If your gums are swollen, they are more likely to become irritated, which can make brushing difficult and cause other problems. If your gums are red and swollen, see your dentist as soon as possible so they can help you treat the problem.
Summary
Regular checkups and cleanings are an important part of keeping your teeth healthy. At your initial dental visit, your dentist will take a thorough look at your teeth and gums to make sure all is well. If you have any doubts about your teeth or gums, see your dentist as soon as possible. They can help you keep your teeth strong and fresh-smelling by cleaning them, removing any buildup of bacteria, and applying fluoride.