Dental Exams and Cleanings Near You
If you haven’t taken a moment to stop and think about it, you may be unaware of the importance of preserving your dental hygiene. The human body is complex; all our systems work together to keep us healthy and happy. So, if one area experiences injury, it can cause a domino effect.
One treatment that plays a crucial role when it comes to the wellness of your smile is professional dental cleanings and exams. To book your upcoming session, contact a dentist near you.
Why is Oral Hygiene Important?
In simple terms, dental hygiene can be defined as preserving the health of your teeth, gum tissues, bones, and other structures like your tongue, lips, and cheeks. But why is this necessary? To prevent a multitude of conditions from manifesting.
Poor hygiene habits at home can lead to:
- Cavities
- Infection
- Bone deterioration
- Tooth loss
- Inflammation and swelling
- Gum disease
- Oral cancer
A well studied but not yet understood connection is between diabetes and oral health. Diabetes can lead to periodontal disease (bone disease) but periodontal disease also leads to diabetes. Periodontal disease has also been linked to cardiovascular disease, dementia, kidney and liver disease, osteoporosis, pneumonia, pregnancy complications, and rheumatoid arthritis.
These are just some of the significant health issues that can be avoided by regular cleanings at the dentist and excellent brushing, flossing, and mouthwash habits. Fortunately, your dentist in Grande Prairie can help you ensure that you avoid the problems mentioned above.
What to Expect with Dental Cleanings & Exams
Two key dental hygiene aspects include biannual dental exams and cleanings. Attending visits dedicated to these treatments will help you and your dentist stay abreast of any issues, and together, you can work to address them before they turn more severe.
Checkups and cleanings work in tandem to boost the health of your smile. The former involves taking x-rays of your teeth and supporting bones, followed by a close inspection of your oral cavity. Your dentist will ask you about your at-home habits and goals, too.
The subsequent cleaning is kicked off by scaling. Plaque, tartar, and bacteria are scraped off your teeth and along your gums to prevent cavities. Your smile is brushed with a gritty toothpaste, which keeps the enamel strong and removes stains; then comes the flossing. You can spit and rinse out your mouth before the fluoride is applied. Fluoride is a natural mineral that is wonderful at warding off decay.
Your dentist can help you arrange a follow-up session before you leave the office for from three to six months later. If you’re dealing with more serious problems like gingivitis, you may be encouraged to come in more frequently so your progress can be monitored more closely.
On a yearly basis, your hygienist will measure your gums to assess your risk for gingivitis and periodontitis. This is what the measurements mean:
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0-3 mm without bleeding: healthy gums.
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1-3 mm with bleeding: early signs of gingivitis (gum disease). A strong program of dental hygiene and home care can normally solve this.
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3-5 mm without bleeding: gum disease could be beginning. A shorter duration between visits is advised to monitor this.
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3-5 mm with bleeding: this may be the beginning of gum disease. Additional treatment and a shorter duration between visits may be advised.
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5-7 mm with bleeding: bone loss and damaged tissue are likely. Hygiene visits and special treatment are likely necessary. A plan for better home maintenance is also advised.
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7 mm and above: this is normally an advanced stage of periodontal disease and surgery to repair the bone loss will be required. In addition, regular, frequent periodontal maintenance will be needed.
At Bear Creek Dental, We Prioritize Your Smile!
If you’re searching for a welcoming dental practice with approachable staff, visit us! We provide reliable dental exams and cleanings near you. You’ll be in good hands the entire time.
Call us at (780) 539-0404 to schedule a consultation!