The Benefits of Professional Cleanings and Periodic Exams for Dental Health

Dental experts agree that routine dental exams and cleanings are critical for ensuring your overall dental and oral health. At Alliance Family Dentistry in Naples, FL, Dr. Dasha Frias Landa and our caring team of dental health specialists are here to help you learn more about the importance of regular dental exams and professional cleanings for you and your children. Find answers to some of the most popular dental care FAQs here, including how often you may need to visit the dentist, what to expect during a dental cleaning or exam, how you can keep your teeth healthy between dentist appointments, and others.

Do I really need to get my teeth cleaned?

Yes. Routine dental cleanings are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums while avoiding potentially serious complications that can require extensive treatments or even lead to the loss of a tooth. During a professional teeth cleaning — which can remove buildup that is impossible to tackle with at-home brushing and flossing alone — an ultrasonic device is used to first break up larger deposits of tartar and plaque. Then, each tooth will be individually scaled with a handheld instrument to remove any buildup that remains. Finally, a specialized polishing material is used to remove stains, leaving your teeth cleaner and brighter than can be achieved with brushing. This meticulous process plays an integral role in discouraging tooth decay, cavities, gum disease (periodontal disease), bad breath (halitosis), and other dental and oral problems.

How often do I need to get my teeth cleaned?

For most patients, twice-yearly dental cleanings and periodic dental exams are recommended. This may vary from patient to patient, however, based on any known dental and oral conditions present, changes in the patient's condition, and other factors.

What happens during a dental exam?

Each dental exam will be customized to help meet the patient's individual needs, though a routine preventive dental exam typically includes a thorough assessment of the teeth, gums, and other oral tissues and structures, a review of the patient's history and symptoms, advanced imaging studies if necessary, an oral cancer evaluation, a bite assessment, and any other diagnostic or preventive measures deemed necessary.

How can I keep my teeth healthy and white between dental appointments?

Between your biannual dental exams and teeth cleaning appointments, it is important to practice proper at-home dental and oral hygiene routines to further discourage cavities, gum disease, and other issues. These routines should include:

• Brushing and flossing twice daily
• Using a mouthwash as recommended/directed
• Not smoking
• Minimizing sugary foods and beverages
• Enjoying a healthy, balanced diet
• Refraining from chewing ice, biting nails, and other risky dental behaviors

Pairing your at-home dental hygiene routine with periodic exams and in-office cleanings as outlined by Dr. Frias Landa can help you (and your family) preserve the health, strength, and beauty of your teeth for years to come.

Protect your long-term dental health with preventive dental care in Naples, FL

Preserving your natural teeth is ideal for a variety of reasons, but it requires consistency with your at-home and in-office routines. Take the first step toward restoring or maintaining your smile today by calling Alliance Family Dentistry to schedule your preventive dental exam and cleaning with Naples, FL family dentist Dr. Dasha Frias Landa.