Do you find that your teeth still don’t feel clean even with the most diligent brushing and flossing routine? Or, as some people describe the feeling, fuzzy? No one wants to have teeth that feel fuzzy, but even with meticulous at-home dental care, there’s another step you need to take to keep your mouth clean. Keep reading to learn more.
When it comes to scheduling regular dental exams and professional teeth cleaning in Alexandria, VA, you don’t have to just take our word for how important they are. The American Dental Association (ADA) also recommends that patients see their dentists at least twice a year. Why? Because regular dental exams are not only critically important to maintaining your oral health, but they can have the added benefits of early detection of oral cancer and gum disease.
A recent study found that dental cleanings lowered a person’s risk of pneumonia. How is this possible? Because a clean mouth means there’s a reduced risk of bacteria getting into a patient’s lungs! The research revealed that individuals who never saw a dentist were over 85 percent more likely to get bacterial pneumonia compared to people who adhered to a regular routine of dental checkups twice a year.
If you’ve never been to a dentist, or if it’s been a while since your last appointment, you may be wondering what to expect during the exam. First, the dental care team will examine your facial area – including your neck and jaw — for signs of swelling or illness. Next, the doctor or hygienist will move into the inside of your mouth to examine your gums, teeth, and tissue inside the mouth for signs of gum disease, tooth decay, cavities, or other conditions that are better treated when caught early. And lastly, if your appointment time included professional teeth cleaning because you’re one of the people mentioned earlier who experience a “fuzzy” film on their teeth, your teeth will be professionally cleaned and polished to remove any built-up plaque.
As mentioned, taking care of dental concerns is always a less complicated and less costly process when they’re detected earlier rather than later. If you’re looking for a new dental home to get your oral health back on track, why not make an appointment today with the caring and professional staff at Burton Dentistry? We look forward to meeting you!