Having a healthy smile is not only about aesthetics; it is part of your overall health. Routine dental cleanings and check-ups in Ponte Vedra Beach are among the best things you can do to maintain good oral health. Even if you feel that your teeth are fine, there could be early indications of problems that you cannot see or feel yet.
By looking for a dentist near you, you have already taken the first step in protecting your dental health.
What is Dental Cleaning?
Dental cleaning is a professional procedure performed by certified dentists. Cleaning involves removing plaque, tartar, and stains from your teeth. This procedure is an adjunct to your home maintenance with toothbrush or dental floss.
During cleaning special instruments are used to reach areas that you might miss while brushing. The cleaning not only helps your teeth appear shiny but also avoid cavities with cleaning and helps in the prevention of gum problems. Regular dental cleaning also reduces the risk of bad breath caused by bacteria.
What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?
When called in for a dental cleaning, a dentist near you, with the help of special tools, will be doing a much better job than what a toothbrush could do.
To start off, they use a small mirror to closely check your teeth and gums. They are looking for spots that may require a little extra care.
Next, the dentist will use a scaler to ensure the plaque and tartar are gently removed. Plaque is a sticky layer of germs that forms on your teeth daily. If you don’t brush it all away, it will harden and turn into tartar. Tartar is like a hard deposit, and it can not be removed with a toothbrush but only by a dental professional. This is super important to avoid cavities with professional cleanings.
After the plaque and tartar are removed, the professional uses a toothbrush and a gritty toothpaste to polish your teeth. This makes them feel super smooth and shiny, and makes it difficult for plaque to attach to them.
Then they will floss your teeth to get out any tiny bits that remain and check the gum tissue. To be honest, the actual cleaning part is usually pretty fast and painless.
What is a Dental Check-up?
A dental check-up near you is a professional examination of a person’s oral cavity performed by a dentist to assess the health of a patient’s teeth, gums, and mouth. Check-ups may involve the dentist looking for early signs of dental problems, which may sometimes arise before pain is present.
During your dental check-up, the dentist will be looking for decay (cavities), gum disease, signs of infection, bite issues, and even early warning signs of oral cancer. When you have dental check-ups as part of your regular dental care, you give yourself the best chance to detect problems early and to treat them before they become worse.
Why is a Routine Dental Check-up so Important?
After your teeth are sparkling clean, the dentist will come in for a check-up. They will look for any small problems that you might not even know you have.
Here are some things they look for
- Cavities: These are tiny holes in your teeth caused by acids produced by bacteria that damage enamel. The dentist can find a cavity when it’s very small and easy to fix. If you wait too long, it can become a big problem and cause a lot of pain.
- Gum Disease: This is when your gums get red, swollen, or bleed easily. It’s caused by germs getting stuck under the gum line. The dentist will check your gums to make sure they are healthy.
- Other Problems: Also, they will assess your tongue, cheeks, and the full mouth for any signs of illness. They will sometimes take x-rays to look under your gums and your teeth to identify any issues.
Benefits of Regular Cleanings and Check-ups
Here is a quick comparison of how regular visits help your oral health:
| Benefit | How It Helps |
| Prevent cavities | Removes plaque and tartar before they cause decay |
| Healthier gums | Prevents and manages gum disease |
| Fresher breath | Cleans away bacteria that cause bad breath |
| Save money | Treats problems early before they become costly |
| Better overall health | Reduces risk of infections affecting the rest of the body |
The Link Between Oral and Overall Health
Poor oral health can be the start of problems in other areas of our health, such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory illness. Maintaining a clean and healthy mouth can help lower your risk of developing these conditions.
How Often Should You Go?
Most dentists will recommend coming in for a check-up & cleaning every six months. There is the potential for plaque and tartar to build up quickly, and it is always better to catch an issue early. A small cavity you discover today is much easier to fix than a large cavity you discover a today.
A good way to help is to book your next appointment before leaving the office; then you will at least know when it will be.
Tips to Maintain Oral Health Between Visits
In between periods of professional dental cleanings and check-ups, you can keep good health of your mouth by:
- Brushing at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing daily
- Limiting intake of sugary snacks and drinks
- Drinking plenty of water
- Use mouth rinse if recommended by your dental care provider.
These simple things will make your next cleaning easier and more efficient.
Regular dental cleanings are not just about making your teeth look good; they are about keeping your whole mouth healthy for a long, long time. So, the next time you hear someone talking about a dental cleaning near you, you’ll know why it’s so important. Do not wait until you have a toothache; be proactive and keep your smile shining!
Prevent Dental Problems Early Today!
At Lovelace Family Dentistry, we provide comprehensive dental care for the entire family, from toddlers to grandparents. We know how to keep your teeth and gums healthy through regular dental cleanings and checkups. Our team uses safe, modern techniques to help you prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems before they develop or occur! Call Lovelace Family Dentistry today at (904)-345-0339 to book your dental visit.