Routine Dental Care for Exemplary Oral Health
Regular visits to the dentist serve a core function in lifelong oral health. By coming in every 6 months, patients can give their teeth a level of care that cannot be achieved at home. Bolster your oral health, improve how your teeth look, and walk out our office feeling at your best after teeth cleaning and dental exams in Riverside. Visit or call Cleopatra Dental Riverside to learn more.
Why Are Dental Cleaning and Exams Important?
- Cleaning: The foundation of lifelong oral health is good oral hygiene habits at home. Namely, brush at least twice a day and floss at least once. However, even these efforts cannot keep your teeth fully clean. Some buildup is inevitable, which can only be addressed with professional dental tools.
- Exams: Most dental problems are not symptomatic in their early stages. Exams are crucial for spotting cavities or other risks before they worsen and start causing symptoms. If issues are not caught early on, they may demand more complex (and expensive) treatments down the road.
Signs You Need a Dental Exam and Cleaning
- It has been 6 or more months since your previous visit (for cleaning).
- Your current X-rays are more than 36 months old.
- You have noticed visible changes in your tooth’s appearance (discoloration, visible decay).
- You are experiencing any unusual symptoms.
- You have started to have bad breath.
Benefits of Teeth Cleaning
- Put a stop to bad breath.
- Slow or prevent gum disease.
- Protect against cavities.
- Boost your overall well-being.
- Detect any issues before they worsen.
Routine Dental Visits: At a Glance:
- Treatment Duration: About 1 hour
- Anesthetic: None needed
- Treatment Type: General dentistry
- Pain Level: No pain, some mild discomfort is normal
What Are Teeth Cleaning and Dental Exams Like?
- X-rays: Not every exam will require X-rays. Generally, you only need X-rays every 36 months, unless you have an issue that needs more consistent tracking. X-rays are painless and quick.
- Oral Exam: We will closely investigate the health of each individual tooth and your gums. We check for concerns like cavities, buildup, bone deterioration, and gum disease. Oral exams are generally painless, but some minor pressure or tugging is normal for certain aspects of it.
- Scaling: This part removes the buildup on your teeth, eliminating plaque and tartar. The intensity of scaling depends on your dental health, and some patients may need deeper treatment. For deeper scaling, we usually provide local numbing to ensure you feel no pain.
- Polishing: This gently removes biofilm and plaque on the tooth surface while avoiding damage to the enamel. This part may feel like a pleasant massage for your teeth.
- Fluoride: Most teeth cleaning treatments wrap up with a fluoride application. This substance is crucial for strengthening your teeth against cavities.
What to Do After a Dental Cleaning
- If you had deep cleaning, you may have had local anesthetic injections. Wait to eat or chew anything until the numbness resolves.
- For patients who had fluoride treatment, wait to eat or drink anything for about 30 minutes.
- Continue your at-home dental hygiene routine.
- Arrange for your next visit in about 6 months.
How Long Do the Benefits Last?
Each patient will have a slightly different environment and situation in their mouth. Some patients may need another cleaning as soon as 3 months (for example, patients with gum disease). However, others can go for up to a year (patients with naturally resilient teeth and no dental concerns). However, 6 months is the ideal time for most patients to return and have another teeth cleaning. During your dental exam, we will provide you with an outline of what your ideal care routine will look like.
Tips for Longer Results:
- Brush twice a day and floss once per day
- Avoid excessive sugary or alcoholic drinks
- Avoid sugary foods and maintain a healthy diet
- Avoid smoking and tobacco products
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If it is the time of year for your routine dental visit, then book your appointment today for your next teeth cleaning and dental exam. Keep your teeth in optimal shape with the help of an experienced dental care team in a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere.