Cleanings and Examinations
Medical Dentist in Stockton, California
Receiving regular dental cleanings and exams is key to your continued oral health. This preventive care allows our dentists and team to monitor your oral health,
What to expect
If it’s been a while since you’ve seen the dentist, you can expect the same care as a routine visit, as well as some extras.
New patient appointments and visits after more than a year have passed usually require X-rays. The dentist wants a complete look at what’s going on inside your teeth, gums, and supporting bone structures.
Plan to hang in there for a good cleaning session with the hygienist. The longer you wait between visits, the more “hard” tartar builds up on teeth and around the gum line.
(If your teeth are sensitive, talk to the hygienist or dentist about numbing options to lessen pain before the work starts.) Having tartar removed can be uncomfortable, but the clean, smooth feel of your teeth after is well worth it. You’ll have fresher breath, too. When the dentist probes your teeth and checks the gums for pockets, it may hurt and bleed a bit. The pain shouldn’t last long.Don’t be overwhelmed if the dentist finds problems. By getting this appointment done, you’re already on the way to fixing them with your dentist’s help. And if you have good dental habits after this, routine follow-up visits will be easier.
TEETH WHITENING
What you should know...
Office Visit
After a thorough exam of your teeth, gums and supporting bone structure, your Dentist will tell you whether tooth whitening is a safe option for your smile. If the agreed-upon you will be provided an out patient take home kit.
Teeth whitening enhances the brightness of natural teeth, but it’s not for everyone. Discuss it with your Dentist before you take action, especially if you have:
- Discolored or sensitive teeth
- White spots or decay on your teeth
- Infected gums
- A bridge, crown, or other dental work (especially involving front teeth)
The lifespan of whitened teeth can range from 4-12 months, depending on the type of treatment used and your consumption of food and drink that can easily stain teeth (such as blueberries, coffee, and tea).
To keep your teeth their whitest without undergoing tooth whitening treatment, practice good oral hygiene.
DENTURES & PARTIALS
Dentures are removable oral appliances used to replace multiple missing teeth.
FILLINGS
A filling repairs and restores the surface of a tooth that has been damaged by decay, fracture, or wear. A dental filling strengthens the tooth.
DENTAL VENEERS
Achieve a picture-perfect smile with dental veneers! Veneers can dramatically improve your smile, covering up the flaws and imperfections in your teeth to give you a natural and beautiful smile which you can enjoy for years to come.
ORAL HYGIENE & PERIODONTAL HEALTH
When you visit Suave Dental for your regular cleanings and exams, our dentists and hygienist will also review your oral hygiene with you.
MANAGING GOOD ORAL HYGIENE
Taking care of your teeth…
It’s no secret that the general recommendation is to brush at least twice a day. Still, many of us continue to neglect brushing our teeth at night. But brushing before bed gets rid of the germs and plaque that accumulate throughout the day.
The way you brush is equally important — in fact, doing a poor job of brushing your teeth is almost as bad as not brushing at all. Take your time, moving the toothbrush in gentle, circular motions to remove plaque. Un-removed plaque can harden, leading to calculus buildup and gingivitis (early gum disease).
Plaque can also build up on your tongue. Not only can this lead to bad mouth odor, but it can lead to other oral health problems. Gently brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth.
When it comes to toothpaste, there are more important elements to look for than whitening power and flavors. No matter which version you choose, make sure it contains fluoride.
While fluoride has come under scrutiny by those worried about how it impacts other areas of health, this substance remains a mainstay in oral health. This is because fluoride is a leading defense against tooth decay. It works by fighting germs that can lead to decay, as well as providing a protective barrier for your teeth.
Many who brush regularly neglect to floss. Flossing is not just for getting those little pieces of Chinese food or broccoli that may be getting stuck in between your teeth. It’s really a way to stimulate the gums, reduce plaque, and help lower inflammation in the area.
Flossing once a day is usually enough to reap these benefits.
Flossing can be difficult, especially for young children and older adults with arthritis. Rather than give up, look for tools that can help you floss your teeth. Ready-to-use dental flossers from the drugstore can make a difference.
Advertisements make mouthwash seem necessary for good oral health, but many people skip them because they don’t know how they work. Schwartz says mouthwash helps in three ways: It reduces the amount of acid in the mouth, cleans hard-to-brush areas in and around the gums, and re-mineralizes the teeth.
Ask your dentist for specific mouthwash recommendations. Certain brands are best for children, and those with sensitive teeth. Prescription mouthwash is also available.
Water continues to be the best beverage for your overall health — including oral health. Also, as a rule of thumb, Schwartz recommends drinking water after every meal. This can help wash out some of the negative effects of sticky and acidic foods and beverages in between brushes.
Ready-to-eat foods are convenient, but perhaps not so much when it comes to your teeth. Eating fresh, crunchy produce not only contains more healthy fiber, but it’s also the best choice for your teeth. We have come to find out, to get your kids on harder-to-eat and chew foods at a younger age is helpful. So, try to avoid the overly mushy processed stuff, avoid cutting things into tiny pieces, and get those jaws working!
Ultimately, sugar converts into acid in the mouth, which can then erode the enamel of your teeth. These acids are what lead to cavities. Acidic fruits, teas, and coffee can also wear down tooth enamel. While you don’t necessarily have to avoid such foods altogether, it doesn’t hurt to be mindful.
Your own everyday habits are crucial to your overall oral health. Still, even the most dutiful brushers and flossers need to see a dentist regularly. At minimum, you should see your dentist for cleanings and checkups twice a year. Not only can a dentist remove calculus and look for cavities, but they will also be able to spot potential issues and offer treatment solutions.
Some dental insurance companies even cover more frequent dental checkups. If this is the case for you, take advantage of it. Doing so is especially helpful if you have a history of dental issues, such as gingivitis or frequent cavities.
oral hygiene, clean teeth
