Oral Hygiene
Oral Hygiene Overview
Teeth Cleaning & Oral Hygiene Q & A
What is proper oral hygiene?
To keep your mouth as healthy as possible, you should brush at least twice a day for two minutes at a time. Daily flossing — all of your teeth — is also essential in getting at bacteria and food caught in the crevices between your teeth.
Schedule a professional cleaning once every six months at least. In some cases, the doctors may recommend more frequent cleanings. They make this recommendation if you have particularly deep grooves or are at risk for gum disease, for example.
Why are professional cleanings important?
Even if you have great at-home oral hygiene habits, professional cleanings are necessary. There are areas you can’t reach with a toothbrush and floss. If plaque builds up in these spots, it can turn into tartar, which increases your risk of developing infections, gum disease, and tooth decay.
Professional cleanings also remove all the plaque you miss to freshen your breath and make your teeth as white as is naturally possible.
How does my oral health affect my overall health?
Research shows that the health of your mouth can affect your whole body. If you have an infection in your mouth, such as gum disease, it can increase inflammation throughout your body and increase your risk of certain diseases, including heart disease and stroke.
Many diseases and medical conditions, such as diabetes or certain vitamin deficiencies, can be identified at a regular oral exam, too. At every hygiene visit, Dr. Tehrani performs an oral cancer screening.
What can I expect during a cleaning and oral exam?
The staff at McLean Aura Dentistry start by cleaning your teeth using professional dental tools to remove stubborn plaque and stains. Then they polish your teeth and floss thoroughly.
When the dentists examine your teeth, they look at your face, neck, lymph nodes, and lower jaw joints. They’ll ask you to open wide to get a look at your gums, feel for loose teeth, examine the soft tissue of your mouth, and feel for tooth decay. If X-rays were taken, they’ll evaluate these for abnormalities, signs of infection, or the evidence of cavities.
Regular dental cleanings and exams preserve good oral health. Schedule yours today by calling McLean Aura Dentistry or booking an appointment with the online scheduling tool.
