Daily brushing and flossing is essential to maintaining healthy teeth and gums, but it's also important to go for regular oral hygiene visits.
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During these appointments at LaSalle Family Dentistry, your hygienist will "scale" your teeth — removing tartar build-up — and polish the surface — removing minor stains. You may also receive a fluoride treatment to help fight decay.
But these oral hygiene visits are more than simply a professional cleaning — they are a key part of preventative maintenance. The visits provide an opportunity for your hygienist to tell you if you are brushing and flossing correctly, and for your dentist to examine your teeth and gums for potential problems.
If your teeth require restorative work, it's important to find out as soon as possible in order to prevent the decay from spreading. An oral hygiene visit is the perfect opportunity for a thorough check of your teeth.
It's also important to have your gums inspected, because periodontal disease (gum disease) can lead to serious health problems — including heart attacks.
Regular oral hygiene visits allows your hygienist and dentist to spot problems and take action immediately — preventing the issues from getting worse. Contact LaSalle Family Dentistry today to learn more.
FAQs
- How often should I come in for a hygiene visit?
- It is recommeneded that you visit us twice per year for a hygiene visit. This allows us to monitor the state of your teeth as gums, as well as provide a thorough cleaning.
- Does my dental insurance cover hygiene visits?
- The life of your dental restoration depends on many factors — regular dental care, your brushing and flossing habits, your diet, and the amount of wear and tear it endures. It's different for every patient, but it is likely that future restorations will be required at some point.
- What if I choose to do nothing about my missing tooth/teeth?
- Most insurance plans do cover hygiene visits, but we would be happy to help you understand what your plan covers. Please ask us at your next appointment.
- I thought fluoride was just for kids. Do adults need fluoride treatments?
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Fluoride is one of the minerals that builds up the enamel of your teeth, keeping them strong and helping to prevent tooth decay. It is a natural element — found in meat, fish and eggs — and is often added to municipal water sources.
Children are given fluoride treatments to protect their still-developing teeth, but the treatments are beneficial to adult teeth, as well.
Talk to your hygienist at your next visit about the benefits of fluoride, and the different varieties available..
