Do you love the feeling of squeaky-clean teeth?
Maybe you’re one of those people who floss, brush and use mouth wash ceremoniously! If so, you might be thinking, “I don’t need a dental cleaning, I’ve never had a cavity before and my teeth FEEL great”. Well, you could be absolutely right or you could be missing out on an opportunity for the dental hygienists to detect early gingivitis, periodontists, and other dental concerns.
Possibly, you’re the extremely busy person who sometimes doesn’t get to brush or floss as often as they would like. You may have had dental work recently and think that because the dentist just solved the issue of one particular tooth then your mouth must be good to go. I mean, the dentist just saw all your teeth, right? Yes, the dentist will repair and plan for future gum disease treatment but he/she could recommend a bi-yearly cleaning with the dental hygienist so they can really get all the plaque and residue that you can’t necessarily reach at home. If this is you, you may need gum treatment in Coral springs.
Who is at risk for gum disease and who may need gum treatment in Coral Springs?
Gum disease is usually caused by 3 things:
1. Smoking
2. Lack of oral hygiene/poor oral hygiene
3. Genetics
As you can see, two out of the three causes of gum disease are caused by factors that can be controlled.
What can I do to prevent gum disease?
Gum disease can be prevented by having a very strong and thorough home oral hygiene regimen (being diligent with your flossing and brushing). In addition to this, keeping up with regular dental cleanings is absolutely necessary. Lastly, abstaining from smoking is a very important part of preventing gum disease.
Understandably, a trip to the dental office can be distressing for some but at Lakeview Dental of Coral Springs, we aim to help you understand the process of a dental cleaning to help ease your mind and better inform you.
What is the process of gum treatment in Coral Springs?
X-Rays – Once a year x-rays of your mouth are taken to make sure the dentist and hygienist can see what is going on within the tooth and under the gumline more in depth.
Examination – The exam consists of the hygienist looking around your mouth with a small hand mirror and checking for any concerns like gingivitis. If there is a cause for concern, the dentist will make sure it is good to proceed with the cleaning or to start a different gum disease treatment.
- Plaque and Tartar – The difference between these two is that plaque leads to tartar, a hardened form of plaque that can only be removed with a special tool used by the dental hygienist.
- Rushing – The hygienist will then brush with a special abrasive toothpaste that polishes the surface of the teeth and deep cleans as well.
- Flossing – When properly done will help remove any leftover plaque and toothpaste left behind.
- Rinsing – To come full circle in a way, you’ll then rinse with a special fluoridated mouthwash to add extra protection to your now super clean teeth.
- Fluoride – Finally coming to the end of your appointment the hygienist will apply a fluoride treatment which can be applied in numerous forms. The fluoride protects against potential cavities until your next cleaning.
So now that you know what to expect, take some comfort in understanding what takes place during your dental cleaning.
If you think you need gum therapy, please feel free to call our office at any time. Our team of Coral Springs dentist professionals will be here to answer any questions you might have about your gum health. Schedule an appointment with your professional gingivitis treatment and periodontal treatment dentist in Coral Springs!