Cleaning & Prevention
Prevention is the key to maintain a high standard of oral health and low dental costs. The most effective prevention plan involves you and the dentist working together for a healthy, stunning smile.
At home, prevention includes not only twice-daily brushing and flossing, but also a healthy diet. Yet at-home care is only part of your prevention; regular dental exams and cleanings are vital to preventing decay and disease. No matter how diligent you are about brushing and flossing, cavities could still develop, and they don't always mark their presence by pain or sensitivity. The dentist will help you keep minor issues from becoming major procedures with pro-active oral care.
YOUR CLEANING VISITS WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
- Digital X-rays
- Oral Cancer Exam
- Teeth Cleaning
- Home Care
Digital X-Rays
BelRed Dentists use digital x-rays, the most current dental-imaging technology. They serve the same purpose as standard x-rays, but reduce radiation exposure by 80-90%. They're also rendered faster, and are able to be viewed immediately on a computer. Because of this, they can be easily enlarged for better viewing, or conveniently emailed.
Generally, the dentist only needs to take a full set of x-rays every three to five years, and bite-wing x-rays (top and bottom side teeth that bite together) during regularly scheduled check-ups. More x-rays may be required occasionally, depending on individual patient needs.
Oral Cancer Exam
Early detection and treatment of oral cancer significantly increases the chance for successful treatment. The American Cancer Society reports that more than 7,000 deaths result from oral cancer out of the 30,000 annually diagnosed cases. How many of these deaths could have been avoided with an oral cancer exam and early detection? Oral cancer often doesn’t manifest with the usual signs of cancer, so without a professional screening from a dentist, it can go undetected until it’s in an advanced stage.
Teeth Cleaning
Regular teeth cleanings by your hygienist is a vital part of fighting off gingivitis (gum inflammation) and periodontal disease (gum disease). If you don't thoroughly remove all the bacteria in your mouth, it will accumulate, motivating gum inflammation. If left untreated, this inflammation can sprout into gum disease. Gum disease causes the gums around your teeth to become lose and degenerate - which will eventually mobilize tooth loss.
Home Care
A bright, beautiful smile begins at home. Your brushing and flossing routines play as much of a role in your dental health as does your diet and lifestyle. Frequent doses of sweets and sugary drinks, along with smoking and alcohol use can increase risk for dental issues and diseases. Cutting back on those vices, along with regular brushing and flossing is imperative to a healthy and happy smile. The dentist can help educate you on effective home-care methods.