How to Take Control of Your Oral Health
At Framingham Family Dental Care, our approach to oral health is simple. We’d much rather prevent a problem from happening than to treat a condition after it has fully developed. The process of making this happen starts with visiting us at our Framingham office to receive the expert care of either Dr. Andelina Duka or Dr. Arvi Duka. By taking this and other proactive steps, you’ll be able to enjoy excellent oral health for years to come!
Why Checkups and Cleanings are Important
When it comes to protecting your oral health, there are some key habits that should be at the forefront. For starters, the types of foods and beverages you consume factor greatly into your dental wellness. Instead of snack items and sugary drinks, it’s better to choose fruits, vegetables and water.
It’s equally important to perform excellent oral hygiene, which should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least two times a day. In addition to watching what you consume, excellent dental care helps to control the growth of harmful oral bacteria that could contribute to gum and tooth decay.
The final piece to the puzzle is to visit your local dentist in Framingham every six months for cleanings and checkups. At these appointments, we’ll provide you with a thorough cleaning and examination that will catch and treat any budding developments before they can materialize into greater problems.
What Happens During a Checkup and Cleaning?
If you’re like most people, then your day is packed with obligations that cause time constraints. Thankfully, visiting us twice a year for preventive care won’t throw a “monkey wrench” in your plans, as a typical visit only takes around an hour of your time.
This is what usually happens at a preventive care visit:
- A friendly staff member will greet you and gather any information needed.
- Next, you’ll meet a dental assistant who will measure your vital signs, collect any other information needed and capture X-rays.
- You’ll then undergo a thorough dental cleaning.
- After your teeth are cleaned, one of our dentists will perform a careful examination to identify any signs of tooth or gum decay, to assess your bite and jaw and to check for any traces of oral cancer.
- Your visit will conclude by sitting down with your dentist to go over the results.
Checkups & Cleanings FAQs
What happens during a dental check-up and cleaning?
During a dental check-up, your dentist or hygienist will first review your medical and dental history and ask about any concerns or symptoms you may have. They then examine your tongue, gums, teeth, and mouth for signs of cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and other conditions. After the exam, a dental hygienist typically performs the cleaning, which involves removing plaque and tartar buildup using special tools. The teeth are then polished and flossed, leaving your mouth feeling fresh and clean. Finally, the dentist will discuss any findings and recommend treatments if necessary.
Why are regular dental check-ups and cleanings important?
Regular check-ups and cleanings are vital for maintaining good oral health and preventing serious dental problems. Plaque and tartar buildup, if not removed, can lead to cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Early detection during a check-up can catch issues before they become painful or require costly treatments.
Can dental check-ups detect problems early?
Dental check-ups are essential for early detection of various oral health problems. Dentists can identify early signs of cavities, gum inflammation, oral infections, and even oral cancer during routine exams. Detecting problems early increases the chances of successful and less invasive treatments. Many issues are painless in the beginning, so regular check-ups are crucial to catch problems before symptoms develop.
Are dental X-rays necessary at every check-up?
Not necessarily. Dental X-rays are an important diagnostic tool but are not needed at every visit. Your dentist will recommend X-rays based on your dental history, risk factors, and the time elapsed since your last imaging. For example, patients with a history of cavities or gum disease may need X-rays more frequently. The dentist may delay new X-rays for those with excellent oral health and recent clear X-rays to minimize radiation exposure.
What’s the difference between a dental cleaning and a deep cleaning?
A standard dental cleaning, also called prophylaxis, is a preventive procedure that removes plaque and tartar from above the gum line and polishes the teeth. It is suitable for patients with generally healthy gums. A deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, is a more intensive treatment for patients with gum disease. It involves cleaning below the gumline to remove bacteria and tartar buildup in periodontal pockets and smoothing the tooth roots to promote gum reattachment.
What should I do to prepare for a dental check-up and cleaning?
Preparing for your dental visit is simple. Before your appointment, brush and floss your teeth thoroughly to remove food particles and plaque. If you have dental anxiety, communicate your concerns with the office ahead of time. Make a list of any medications you take and update your medical history with any recent changes. Avoid eating a heavy meal immediately before your appointment to stay comfortable during the cleaning.
How can I maintain my oral health between cleanings?
Good oral health care habits at home are essential to complement your professional dental care. Brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste, and floss daily to remove plaque between teeth. Consider using an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce bacteria. Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks that can contribute to tooth decay.
It’s Time to Take Action
Now that you have a game plan for improving your oral health, the next step is to take action by contacting us at Framingham Family Dental Care to schedule a visit with either Dr. Duka or Dr. Duka today!
