Morning Star Dentistry is dedicated to providing exceptional dental services to our community in and around the Sonora, CA, area. Every patient who visits our office becomes another part of our story and another connection in the community we’re dedicated to building roots in. One essential part of maintaining oral health is dental cleanings at least twice a year as part of a routine visit. These twice-yearly visits, combined with consistent oral hygiene practices at home, provide the best possible chance of lasting oral health. Our team loves welcoming new patients to our office and setting them on the path to lasting, beautiful smiles.
Did you know…
that Americans are less and less likely to visit the dentist as they age? Data from the Centers for Disease Control reports that only 57 percent of Americans over age 65 visited the dentist in 2010. That compares to about 61 percent adults under age 65 and about 79 percent of children ages 2 to 17. Nonetheless, it is important to visit the dentist for cleanings and exams regardless of how long has passed since your most recent dental appointment.
The Importance Of Regular Dental Cleanings & Consultations
You’ll undergo a complete dental exam during your initial visit to our office, followed by a consultation. As part of this initial visit, we’ll work with you to plan a treatment and maintenance plan that will protect your smile for years to come. While consistent oral hygiene practices at home can greatly aid the prevention of tooth decay and gum disease, it’s often not enough. Plaque and tartar can be insidious, hiding away in places that are either hard to reach or don’t receive sufficient attention. During your twice-yearly visit for dental cleanings, we’ll ensure that any stubborn plaque or tartar is removed from your teeth.
Professional cleanings do more than ensure your smile is beautiful and clean. They also play an essential role in addressing and preventing the following concerns:
- Tooth Decay – Streptococcus mutans is the bacteria most closely associated with tooth decay and gingivitis. As plaque accumulates on the teeth, it becomes easier for s. mutans to directly attack the enamel on your teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, and mouthwash use can help prevent the advance of tooth decay while keeping plaque and tartar down. Bi-annual cleanings help to eliminate the last vestiges of these biofilms, protecting your teeth.
- Gum Disease – Cavities may be the most prominent dental concern facing patients today, but gingivitis is close behind. Gingivitis, also known as gum disease, is the earliest stage of bacteria attacking gingival tissue. Without treatment, it is likely to advance to periodontal disease, which has dangerous implications for the future health of your teeth, gums, and even jawbone.
In addition to these prominent concerns, you can also face complications with abscesses, pulp infections, and oral cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need to have my teeth professionally cleaned?
Yes. Even if you brush and floss after every meal and before bed, bacteria-harboring plaque can accumulate in the tiniest crevices, grooves and pits. Overtime, the teeth will begin to decay in those areas, which may result in pain and partial or total tooth loss.
What should I expect at my cleaning and exam consultation?
Your cleaning and consultation will consist of a visible examination of the teeth and gums. If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, you may also require x-rays for a more comprehensive view of your teeth. You’ll also consult with your dentist about any oral health problems you may have been having or questions that you may have. The cleaning will follow, during which a dental hygienist will use special instruments to remove hardened plaque from your teeth. Finally, your teeth will be polished before your dentist discusses any treatment recommendations he or she may have for you.
What types of guidelines should I follow after my visit?
In between dental cleanings and consultations, be sure to maintain good oral habits at home. This includes daily flossing and brushing after meals. It’s also important to drink fluoridated water and use a fluoridated toothpaste.
Schedule Your Visit With Dr. Justin Liggett In Sonora, CA
Dr. Justin Liggett and our team will check for concerns like these during every visit. During your examination, problem areas will be identified. This may be represented by the presence of decay, early cavity formation, signs of gum disease, or just areas that aren’t getting the attention they need during your daily hygiene practice. Instruction will be given on how to improve your oral hygiene routine, and a treatment plan will be designed to address those needs that simple hygiene won’t correct. Reach out to our Sonora, CA, office today to schedule your first visit and see the beginning of a new age of great oral health with Morning Star Dentistry.
