Taking appropriate preventive measures is a big part of maintaining good oral health. Most people know that brushing and flossing are two important oral hygiene habits that can help keep plaque and cavities at bay. However, you can also get preventive dental services and treatments in your dentist’s office. Seeing your dentist twice a year is part of protecting your dental health, so it’s important to find a local dentist in Mobile, AL, that you’re comfortable with. Here are some of the preventive care options that dentists provide.
Check-Ups
Regular dental check-ups help with early detection of dental issues, prevention of gum disease, and monitoring and maintenance of existing dental work. Your dentist will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and oral health. If necessary, your dentist will also get X-rays for a more in-depth evaluation and perform an oral cancer screening. You’ll get tips on oral hygiene and a treatment plan if the dentist identifies any issues. Regular check-ups also give you the chance to ask questions you may have about treatments or procedures that you may be interested in such as cosmetic dentistry (braces, veneers, and teeth whitening) or tooth replacement solutions (implants, crowns, and types of dentures).
Preventive Cleaning
A preventive cleaning is another part of your regular check-ups. Typically, the dentist or hygienist will clean the surface of your teeth above the gumlines and use a scaler to remove plaque or tartar that’s built up. They may work on any removable stains and will give your teeth a final polish before finishing the treatment. Occasional professional cleanings are essential to manage problems that regular brushing and flossing cannot. They help prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems.
Periodontal Treatments
Periodontal disease is a severe type of gum disease that occurs when plaque and tartar build up on your teeth. Over time, it can lead to infections and tooth loss. Dentists usually offer two forms of preventive cleanings to combat periodontal disease:
Periodontal cleaning (or dental deep cleaning)
Dental deep cleaning works on bacteria located deep below the gum line. This is also known as scaling and root planning. Typically, the dental care professional will remove tartar and hardened plaque that extends deep below the gumline down to the bottom of the pocket. Root planning involves smoothing the root surfaces to encourage gum reattachment and prevent bacterial growth.
Periodontal maintenance cleaning
This specialized cleaning is designed to keep periodontal disease from flaring up again. It’s a follow-up procedure that helps preserve gum health after a periodontal deep cleaning.