What is the Importance of Regular Check-Ups / Cleanings?

Everyone needs regular dental check ups and teeth cleaning for good dental health. Your north bend dentist will check your teeth for cavities after a dental hygienist cleans your teeth. Cleaning Regular cleaning once or twice a year by a professional hygienist will remove plaque from teeth and gums that you have not removed through regular brushing. Your teeth will also receive a polishing.rnYour north bend dentist will probably also give you a complementary toothbrush and dental floss. The dentist or the hygienist will review with you the best way to floss and brush. People who smoke need to have their teeth cleaned more often to remove the extra "stuff" from tobacco and smoke that can stay on their teeth. The dentist can also whiten teeth yellowed from smoking. Dental check Your north bend dentist will check your teeth for cavities, loose teeth or fillings. He or she can explain filling or bonding procedures when necessary. Dentists will also explain about crowns if required.rnThe dentist will also check the X-rays taken by the hygienist and pay special attention to problem areas. Your gums, tongue, mouth will also be checked for sores and other conditions. Gingivitis and gum disease Most dentists check immediately for gingivitis. This gum disease, caused by a plaque under the gums, is easy to find and treat. Gingivitis is a swelling of the gums and they may bleed when brushing.rnGingivitis and other gum diseases are caused by the build up of plaque in teeth that are not flossed and brushed properly. Smoking, diabetes, medications and eating too many refined sugars are also causes of gum disease.rnIn the primary stages, this condition does not damage the teeth, bones or tissue surrounding the teeth. If the disease progresses, it can develop into periodontitis. This is a build up of bacteria that can damage teeth and gums to the point where teeth fall out. Periodontitis is a major cause for tooth loss in adults. If teeth and gums are seriously neglected, the gums pull away from the teeth. The bone and tissue holding teeth in place break down. Your dentist will warn you if this condition appears evident. Diagnosis and treatment Your north bend dentist will look for swollen or bleeding gums. The dentist will check the pockets between teeth and gums. Large or deep pockets are an indication of gingivitis. The dentist will look at your jawbone and your teeth alignment or bite.rnGum problems can be controlled and reversed with good professional cleaning. In addition, the patient must continue to brush twice a day and use dental floss in problem areas. A more intense treatment includes root scaling and planing. The dentist can do this with a local anesthetic since it involves deep scraping of plaque below the gums. Rough spots on teeth are planed. rnSeveral surgical treatments are also available for severe cases including pocket reduction and bone grafts. Recommendations You will be advised to rinse your mouth with water after drinking coffee, wine, juice, dairy products and sodas with sugar. It is also a good idea to floss immediately after eating to remove food particles between teeth.rnVisit your north bend dentist twice a year for regular professional cleanings and check-ups. This will keep your teeth and your smile healthy.