To maintain good oral hygiene, it’s essential that you schedule professional teeth cleanings with our dentist in East Grand Rapids, MI. During your next appointment, we’ll gently remove plaque and tartar buildup so you can achieve your healthiest smile yet. Not to mention, routine dental cleanings can help your smile look whiter and brighter!
How Often Do I Need Teeth Cleanings?
Most people only need teeth cleanings every six months. However, you may need more frequent visits if you have a chronic condition such as periodontitis (a serious gum infection). This allows Dr. Elias to closely monitor your condition and recommend additional treatments as needed to protect your oral health.
Your teeth cleaning appointment is also a good opportunity to examine any dental restorations, such as fillings or crowns. If a dental restoration shows any signs of wear and tear, we may recommend replacing it before it compromises the tooth. For example, a dental filling may last between 5 and 7 years before it needs to be replaced.
How Can I Improve My Dental Health?
Plaque can be blamed for most oral health issues, from cavities to gum disease. This sticky film of bacteria coats the teeth and gums, consuming sugar and leaving behind an acid. It’s this acid that causes gum inflammation and erodes enamel. Your best defense against plaque is to practice good oral hygiene at home.
Here’s how to maintain a healthy smile between .
Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day
We recommend that you brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes at a time. That way, you’ll be able to remove plaque before it has a chance to harden into tartar. While you can remove plaque at home, only a dental professional will be able to remove tartar.
Always brush your teeth before going to bed. Otherwise, you’ll be bathing your teeth in sugar while you sleep. This increases your risk of cavities, gum disease, sensitive teeth, bad breath, and many other oral health issues.
Floss Once a Day
Floss your teeth once a day to remove any plaque or food particles caught between teeth that your toothbrush missed. That way, you’ll be able to stop cavities from forming between teeth and along the gum line.
Use a Fluoride Mouth Rinse
Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel so it’s more resistant to acid attacks from plaque. If we notice a lot of plaque buildup during your next teeth cleaning, we may recommend adding a fluoride mouth rinse to your oral care routine.
Know How Dental Health and Overall Wellness Are Linked
Did you know that people with diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease? Many doctors believe this may be due to having higher blood sugar levels in the mouth. This is just one of many examples of how a medical condition can affect your oral health, and vice versa.
Dr. Elias and his staff understand the link between your smile and overall wellness. That’s why they’ll ask you about your medical history during your . By gathering this information, we’ll be able to better tailor your treatment plan to your unique needs.
Schedule Your Next Teeth Cleaning
Discover the benefits of teeth cleanings for yourself! Our dentist in East Grand Rapids, MI, is accepting new patients and would be more than happy to help you take this next step in your smile journey. To schedule an appointment, please call the dental office of Richard Elias III, DDS at (616) 458-2048 or fill out our online contact form.
This blog post has been updated.
