Dental Checkups in Orange, CA

Why are regular teeth cleanings important?

Many oral health concerns can only be detected through a thorough examination by a trained dentist. Dental checkups cover oral cancer screenings, digital X-rays to check for hidden issues and professional cleanings to eliminate plaque, bacteria, and other buildups that daily brushing and flossing can’t effectively remove.

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss, so early intervention is vital. Once gum disease has taken its toll on the tooth and supporting bone, it cannot be restored. Gum disease can only be managed once it has taken hold. Your dental hygienist will use a small ruler to gently measure the gum “pocket” around each of your teeth, noting areas you can’t clean with a toothbrush or floss. X-rays are combined with these measurements to identify where bone recession occurred.

How regularly should you get dental checkups?

Ideally, dental checkups are performed every six months. On your first visit to the dentist, they will ask for a full health history to understand your past and current health. From there, regular checkups will be used to determine any change in your oral health and keep your teeth and oral health properly maintained.

The American Dental Association and most dentists recommend six months because this period of maintenance and cleaning provides a level of deep cleaning and preventative care that is not possible at home.

As long as your mouth is free of gum disease and heavy buildup, six months is about the average length of time for tartar and stain to accumulate to where another professional cleaning is required. For individuals with a history of periodontitis, these visits may need to be as regular as every 3-4 months.

Why are brushing and flossing important?

We all know brushing and flossing make our mouths feel great. But brushing and flossing do more than freshen breath—they disrupt the complex network of bacteria called biofilm. Disrupting and removing the sticky film is important so diseases like cavities and gum disease are less likely to happen.

As you know, it is important to brush twice a day for at least two minutes and floss once. Helping and encouraging your child to make brushing and flossing a part of their habits will help them have a healthy smile throughout their lives!

What are other preventative dental care strategies?

Besides having your teeth cleaned and stains polished off, our dental cleaning process also provides other preventative services, such as:

Dental Sealants — Deep grooves and pits in your back teeth are at a higher risk of cavities. Placing a protective sealant over these surfaces makes them easier to clean and lowers the risk of decay or cavities.

Fluoride Treatment — Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, fights sensitivity, and reverses demineralization, which, if allowed to occur, leads to tooth decay. Dental insurance typically covers fluoride treatments for children.

Oral Cancer Screenings — This deadly disease is linked to viruses like HPV, sun exposure, and tobacco/alcohol use. Early screenings can be life-saving. We complete a cancer exam as part of every checkup appointment.

Diagnostic X-rays — Periodic dental X-rays allow us to identify new areas of decay or bone loss around your teeth to treat them in the least invasive manner possible before they worsen.