Preventive Dentistry Exam
Every six months, you should make a visit to Smile On Dental Studio for your biannual checkup. During this appointment, we complete a series of preventive dentistry procedures. To start, you will meet with Dr. Hill for your dental exam. This includes taking digital x-rays of your teeth so that they can see what’s going on inside your mouth that’s not visible to the naked eye. They will also give your teeth a thorough examination where they inspect for signs of tooth decay, gum disease and plaque, and tartar build-up. During the exam, we will tell you if we find anything out of the ordinary that requires immediate attention. The sooner we catch problems, the less likely you will experience severe dental problems down the line.
Preventive Dentistry Cleaning
Once your examination portion is complete, our dental hygienist will polish and floss your teeth. Once they’re done, Dr. Hill will use a dental instrument to remove plaque and tartar stuck on your teeth and beneath the gum line. This helps prevent cavities, tooth decay and gum disease down the line. We will let you know if you should take any further preventive action at home or in our office. Some patients may require a fluoride treatment for extra protection.
Other In-Office Preventive Dentistry
Not only do we focus on your dental hygiene, but also your overall tooth health. Preventive dentistry also includes providing our patients with night guards and mouthguards to protect their teeth. If you grind or clench your teeth at night, we will create a custom night guard so your teeth don’t wear down or suffer from other physical damage. We can also provide a mouth guard if you play a contact sport to protect your teeth from being knocked out. Preventive dentistry is about preventing all sorts of problems from occurring to your smile.
Preventive Dentistry At-Home
Not only is it important to visit our dentists every 6 months for a complete dental exam and cleaning, but it’s important to take preventive dentistry at-home seriously. When you’re at home, you should brush and floss your teeth at least twice daily. We recommend brushing right before bed and right when you wake up. It’s important to use the right toothbrush for your mouth and to never brush too hard. For best results, invest in an electric toothbrush so you never miss a spot and always have a smooth clean feeling in your mouth. If you prefer a manual toothbrush, stick with soft bristles and never brush too hard. We also recommend that you floss your teeth once daily. For best results, floss before going to bed so there are no food particles or bacteria stuck between your teeth while you sleep.
If your dentist recommends that you wear a nightguard, oral appliance, or mouth guard, it’s also important to follow these directions. You can also prevent dental problems from occurring by staying away from highly processed foods, excess sugar, and soda. To keep your teeth cavity-free, try drinking only water throughout the day. If you happen to sip on or eat something sweet, brush your teeth afterward or rinse your mouth with water.
If you’re overdue for a dental exam or would like to visit our St. Louis dental office for a preventive dentistry cleaning, please contact Smile On Dental Studio in Richmond Heights, MO by calling (314) 678-7876 to schedule an appointment or sending us an email.
