The health of your teeth and mouth is very important to the well-being of your entire body, and while routine brushing and flossing at home is necessary to keep your smile looking its best, visiting your dentist for a comprehensive exam and cleaning every six months is essential.
By routinely seeing your dentist for exams and cleanings, you can prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Getting a routine checkup and cleaning will also save money by avoiding costly and extensive dental procedures in the long run. It can keep your teeth white by reducing staining from food and drinks, and ultimately shorten the time spent in your dentist's office.
During your exam, Dr. Bae will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other health problems. He may also want to take X-rays to see what is happening beneath the surface of your teeth and gums, and potentially discover dental issues not visible to the naked eye. Dr. Bae will then begin the actual cleaning process by first exploring the surface of your teeth to determine if you have any cavities as well as the quality of existing fillings.
He will then perform a periodontal exam in order to check whether your gums adhere tightly to your teeth, and whether no periodontal disease or bone loss may be occurring. Next, he will carefully remove any hard mineral buildup (tartar) from your teeth. After flossing your teeth, using a polishing compound, and applying fluoride, your cleaning is finished! Cleanings usually aren't painful, but if you have any anxiety about your dental exam, be sure to let the doctor know. He can patiently go over the process with you, and may offer several sedation options to ensure your comfort.
