An ounce of prevention, a pound of cure: Unlocking Oral Health: The Essential Guide to Regular Exams and Cleanings
Are your teeth stained or marked by dark discoloration? Do you notice that your gums hurt when you brush them or that blood on your brush or floss after cleaning your teeth and gums? If not, that is excellent news! However, the absence of symptoms does not mean the absence of oral conditions like enamel erosion or gum inflammation. Exams and professional cleanings at your “home” for exceptional dentistry in Homewood, Illinois, Park Avenue Dental Care, are essential to stay ahead of damage. Routine preventive visits or check-ups are also necessary to get on the road to health by promptly resolving troublesome signs of small cavities or early-stage periodontal disease before they progress and cause much bigger problems that threaten the teeth.
So, my teeth could look and feel fine, but I could still need treatment?
Yes! Many oral problems are notoriously “silent” in their earliest stages. This means you may not experience any issues until the underlying condition, enamel erosion or gingivitis, has progressed to the point where damage has occurred. Don’t wait or take a chance with your oral health. The best time to visit us is always when you have no concerns. We can keep it that way and maintain your mouth’s comfort, function, health, and appearance.
How often do I need to visit?
There is no single answer to this question because the best routine for you may not be appropriate for another person. Additionally, the schedule that is optimal for you at the moment may not be the best or healthiest choice in the future. We must account for factors such as the existing condition and state of your teeth and gums and your unique risk factors for developing everything from oral cancer to periodontitis (advanced gum disease). The “standard” guideline is typically defined as two visits yearly for exams and cleanings or one check-up every six months. But this is only a rule of thumb and may not be appropriate in your case. Our dentists, Drs James J. Kreuz, Gregory J. Duffner, and Alex J. Dolinar, evaluate your needs today and stay on top of evolving needs to maintain a routine that is in the best interests of your smile and the rest of you.
How is professional cleaning different from how I clean my teeth at home?
Highly skilled and well-trained dental hygienists will perform your cleaning. These hygienists have special techniques and dental instruments to effectively remove even the most stubborn, destructive substances, like plaque build-up or tartar. These substances cannot be removed with standard toothbrushes and other oral care products that you may use at home. During these cleanings, our hygienists will also apply a special paste to polish the teeth. In addition to removing harmful bacteria, lingering food particles, and tartar, they also gently yet skillfully lift surface stains from the teeth. So, the benefits of this process are multi-fold; we minimize the risk of developing bad breath, decay, and gum disease by managing the overgrowth of destructive pathogens like bacteria while promoting a dazzling smile and a minty-fresh mouth.
What if you find a problem?
Significant problems are unlikely if you maintain professional visits and home care as advised by the team at Park Avenue Dental Care. However, by maintaining regular check-ups, any problems are usually caught early, before damage occurs that causes distressing pain, interferes with your life, and leads to the need for extensive and potentially expensive treatment. Call your friends in Homewood, IL, today at (708) 798-6868 with additional and specific questions or to schedule your check-up.
