Cleanings & Prevention
If you brush and floss your teeth every day, why do you need to go to the dentist too? It’s a question we get surprisingly often here in Gainesville. The fact is, even if you are the best brusher and flosser in Georgia, there are still going to be spots you can’t reach very well, and tartar will build up there and cause more problems than just gum disease and cavities. Additionally, regular dental cleanings and preventative care can catch other early signs of all kinds of diseases. Good oral health contributes to good overall health, and your dentist plays an important role here.
How are Physical and Dental Health Connected?
Your entire body is one connected system. Problems in one area can affect other areas of the body. This is especially true for oral health. Scientific studies show that issues like gum disease and tooth decay can have domino effects on other parts of your body, like your cardiovascular and nervous systems. Although gum disease can’t cause heart problems, the bacteria that build up in your gums can travel into your bloodstream and worsen cardiovascular issues.
Unchecked periodontal disease, which is preventable with regular dental cleanings and daily oral hygiene practices, can cause pain and infection that goes beyond tooth pain. By working with your Gainesville dentist on a regular schedule of preventative cleanings and dental care, you can contribute to your overall health.
Home Oral Hygiene Basics
Dr. Croft and his team are eager to educate patients about correct daily dental hygiene habits. Following these regular practices can help you prevent cavities, gum disease, and other painful oral infections. These daily habits will help you keep a healthy smile:
1. Brush Twice a Day
The best times to brush are in the morning when you wake up (or right after breakfast) and at night, just before going to bed. Brush with fluoride toothpaste using a soft-bristled toothbrush using gentle circular strokes angled toward the gumline to remove plaque, sugar acids, and any food particles.
2. Floss Once a Day
We recommend doing this at night before bed so that you remove any hidden food particles and plaque between the teeth where the toothbrush doesn’t quite reach. Make sure to go around each tooth and just under the gums as you floss.
Regular Dental Cleanings and Prevention Are Essential
Most patients need a routine professional dental cleaning every six months to check for and remove tartar that has developed between the teeth and under the gumline. If we don’t remove the tartar, it becomes a breeding ground for harmful bacteria that can cause gingivitis, the early stages of gum disease. If gingivitis continues, it becomes a full-blown case of periodontal disease, which can damage the bone structures that support the teeth. Harmful bacteria can also enter the bloodstream and go to other parts of the body.
During a regularly scheduled dental cleaning, we take X-rays to check for cavities or other oral health problems. Our dental hygienists will clean away all the tartar and polish your teeth so they look bright and smooth. Dr. Croft will then check your oral health to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy and that you don’t have any signs of other problems like oral cancer. He will also discuss any individual oral health concerns you have and advise you on how best to care for your teeth.
See the Dentist Gainesville Neighbors Trust for Healthy Smiles!
Keep your smile bright, strong, and healthy! Schedule your appointment for dental cleaning and prevention with us in Gainesville, GA, today. We look forward to seeing you!
