Many people only go to the dentist when there’s something wrong. This is a reactive approach to dental care, which can cost you a lot of time, money, and pain. Preventative dental care takes steps to prevent dental health issues from developing in the first place. One of the most common forms of preventative dental care is dental hygiene appointments.
What is a dental hygiene appointment?
A dental hygiene appointment is a check-up and a cleaning. You should plan on coming to see us once every six months to help cut down on the buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth and to catch any oral health issues in their early stages.
What happens during my hygiene appointment?
Your hygiene exam will start with a review of your medical history. We will then discuss any existing health concerns or issues and monitor their progress. Next, we will examine your gum tissue, looking for any signs of periodontitis. We will also do an oral cancer screening and then remove any plaque and tartar that have built up on your teeth. We always recommend a fluoride treatment during your visit, which can help strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities from forming. We will also polish your teeth, floss your teeth and talk about any further treatment you may need. X-rays are recommended once a year to identify “hidden” problems in the mouth.
Why are hygiene appointments important?
Hygiene appointments are important for a wide variety of reasons. To begin, they stop the buildup of plaque in your mouth and can help prevent cavities from forming. They also allow us to look for serious oral health care conditions, such as oral cancer, which can be deadly and hard to treat when not caught in its early stages. Hygiene appointments also allow us to check-in, touch base, and address any concerns that you’ve been having with your teeth. They are a good way to keep everything on track and to keep your mouth as healthy as possible.
If you are looking for a new dentist or are long overdue for a check-up, we are here to help! We are always welcoming new patients and our team is ready and able to get your dental health back on track. If you want to learn more about preventative dentistry or want to schedule a time to come see us, contact our office or give us a call at (614) 882-6741 today!