Everyone deserves to enjoy great oral health and a dazzling smile. At West Coast Dental, we can help you have healthy and attractive teeth and maintain them all year long. Start with a dental exam which will identify any problems that may need addressing, and follow this with a deep dental cleaning performed by our professional team. Our comprehensive list of other services will provide you with everything you need to keep your smile looking fabulous indefinitely.
Why Dental Exams Are Needed
Dental exams aren’t only important for the health of your teeth. A statement from the American Dental Association confirms, “Oral health has long been recognized as an integral part of overall health.” This is because the mouth is a key gateway to the rest of the body. A dental exam gives your dentist an opportunity to check for any problems that could affect the function and appearance of your teeth — as well as your overall health and wellbeing. Early diagnosis and treatment could prevent you from suffering from debilitating symptoms and irreversible damage to your smile and health.
Why Dental Deep Cleaning is Necessary
We all know that taking care of our teeth at home is crucial, but your dentist can perform a cleaning to a much higher standard than you can do yourself at home. Professional dentists and hygienists have the tools and access needed to remove tartar (hardened plaque) that can’t be eliminated with a toothbrush alone. Kick off a year of positive dental hygiene habits with a dental deep cleaning appointment.
Dental Cleaning Schedule
How often dental cleaning should be performed will depend on the recommendation of your dentist and will be based on factors such as the current condition of your teeth and your lifestyle. For example, people who smoke are at greater risk of developing gum disease. So, they typically benefit from more regular deep dental cleanings. Speak to your dentist at your first deep dental cleaning of the year to find out how often you should schedule appointments.
Remember Your At-home Dental Hygiene Routine
One of the best ways of maintaining your clean new smile is to stick closely to a great oral hygiene routine at home. You should remember to brush your teeth at least twice each day — after breakfast and before bed — using a fluoride toothpaste. Brush for two minutes or more each time. Pay special attention to where the teeth meet the gums because this is where plaque can trigger the development of gum disease. Don’t forget to floss, either, as this practice removes bacteria and food debris from between the teeth where it can be impossible for your toothbrush to reach.
Brighten Your Smile With Teeth Whitening
If you really want to start the year with a sparkling new smile, consider scheduling a teeth whitening appointment in January. A survey by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry found that 96% of adults believe an attractive smile makes a person more appealing to others, and a huge 74% feel that an unattractive smile can hurt their chance for career success. Although there are over the counter teeth whitening products, only in-office, professional whitening delivers highly successful and long-lasting results. Getting your teeth whitened will ensure that your new smile makes a positive, visual impact on everyone you meet.
Strengthen Your Teeth Against Decay With Sealants
Dental sealants are another popular preventative dental treatment that will help to protect your teeth over the coming year. These super-thin resin covers are pasted onto the chewing surfaces of back teeth, preventing plaque from forming in the natural fissures. Sealants don’t replace brushing but are a great additional layer of protection. Contrary to what many people think, adults and children alike can benefit from this effective treatment. Better still, the process is simple, painless and can be performed after your professional dental deep cleaning.
Fluoride Treatments
There’s a reason why dentists recommend you choose a fluoride toothpaste to clean your teeth. Not only does fluoride remineralize the teeth ensuring that enamel is strong and less susceptible to breaking down, but it also works against the acids produced by plaque that are normally responsible for decay. Fluoride treatments involve fluoride being pasted directly onto the teeth and left for a few minutes before being rinsed away. It’s fast, painless and can help to protect your smile against cavities.
A new year is the perfect time to set new goals for yourself — including enhancing your oral health and smile. Start the New Year off right by scheduling an appointment at West Coast Dental. Call or text us today at 888-329-8111.
References:
- American Dental Association (ADA) – Statement on Dentistry as Essential Health Care
- West Coast Dental – Dental Routine Check Up
- West Coast Dental – Teeth Whitening
- Your Smile Becomes You – Teeth Whitening
- West Coast Dental – Dental Sealants
West Coast Dental – Fluoride Treatments
