If It's Been More Than A Minute Since Your Last Dental Cleaning
Many people tend to procrastinate doing tasks that don't seem to be urgent, and dental cleaning is often one of those. Read below and get ready if it's been a minute since the last one and get prepped for the occasion.
- Having your teeth professionally cleaned is not just good for general grooming purposes but it also helps the dentist spot problems before they get worse. For example, small cavities can be dealt with before they allow bacteria to enter the gum line and cause infections like abscesses.
- Your dental hygienist can save your life. Oral cancer is extremely difficult to detect on your own but these professionals know what to look for and early treatment could make all the difference in the world.
- You may have toothpaste advertisements warning about the dangers of tartar and plaque but it takes a professional cleaning to properly remove these sticky and harmful substances.
- You might want to think ahead of your appointment and ask for a prescription for antibiotics before your visit. Known as prophylactic antibiotic use, this form of infection prevention is usually reserved for only certain groups of vulnerable people. While a cleaning should not cause problems with most, some who have compromised immune systems or that have artificial joints or heart issues should take precautions.
- Ask around about dental issues within your family. Some dental problems tend to run in families and it may help to have a heads-up about some. Ask your hygienist or dentist about decay, wisdom teeth, and abscesses if they run in your family. The shape and size of your teeth also tend to be inherited and smaller or shorter than normal teeth might mean more cavities and issues with gum disease.
- The cleaning usually consists of a gentle general cleaning with a soft brush followed by handheld implements to address stubborn plaque and tartar. If you find yourself becoming uncomfortable during the cleaning, speak up right away.
- Teeth cleaning usually comes first, but you will usually see the dentist to discuss any issues after the cleaning. If you haven't visited in a while, you can expect to need some work done. Your dentist will speak with you about what is needed and the priority. Many dentist's offices now provide patients with a written plan to deal with cavities and other needed work along with estimates of costs.
Don't put off your cleaning visit any longer. Call a local dental practice and set up an appointment today.