Routine Dental Care
Maintain Your Healthy Smile
Routine dental care is essential for maintaining a healthy smile. Consistently practicing good oral hygiene helps reduce the overall risk of disease. From home care to routine dental checkups to appointments with a specialist, routine dental care may vary over time.
To speak with a dentist and learn more about what your routine dental care should look like in Cedar Grove, call our office at (973) 857-0567.
Routine dental care is crucial for maintaining good oral health
Good oral health is crucial for overall bodily health. Without routine dental care, the mouth becomes susceptible to decay and gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss and may cause adverse effects elsewhere in the body.
Once bacteria get underneath the gums, they have access to the bloodstream, allowing them to spread throughout the body. Routine dental care significantly reduces this risk. Maintaining both oral and bodily health contributes to a balanced life.
“Maintaining good oral and overall health enables a well-rounded life.”
Regular dental checkups
Checkups are typically recommended every six months. Patients should inform the dental team about any dental concerns, fears, or anxieties they may have to ensure steps are taken to make the checkup as comfortable as possible. Depending on the state of a patient’s oral health, more frequent visits to the dentist may be necessary.
During a checkup, a dental professional will clean and polish the teeth and provide recommendations for home oral care. The dental professional will also examine the mouth for decay and disease, potentially utilizing dental X-rays. If someone is not a new patient, has not missed any regular appointments, and maintains good oral health, they may not require additional dental treatment during the appointment.
“Patients should communicate any dental concerns, fears, or anxieties to the dental team so that they can take necessary steps to ensure a comfortable checkup.”
Oral hygiene care at home
In order to keep your oral health in top condition between dental visits, it is important to have a consistent at-home oral hygiene routine. Here are the recommended steps to include in this routine:
- Brushing twice a day with a dentist-recommended toothbrush
- Flossing once a day
- Using a fluoride mouthwash
This list may not cover all possible recommendations, and the dentist may suggest more steps based on your oral health needs. If you're unsure about which oral hygiene products to use, feel free to ask our dental team for guidance.
“It is important to have a regular at-home oral hygiene routine in order to keep good oral health in between dental checkups.”
Dental Care for Unique Smile Needs
In certain situations, extra care beyond standard dental visits and daily oral hygiene practices may be required. Our dental professionals will address these needs and offer recommendations accordingly.
Scaling and root planing procedure is needed.
The dentist may recommend scaling and root planing to treat gingivitis and other forms of gum disease. While this procedure is similar to the scaling the hygienist performs on teeth during a regular checkup, the focus is not only on the surface of the teeth around the gums but also underneath the gums. Scaling and root planing goes beneath the gumline to remove buildup. In some cases, a patient may be referred to another dental professional for this procedure.
Smile Makeovers
If you have crooked teeth, gaps between your teeth, or other aesthetic concerns, cosmetic dentistry procedures can help address these issues. It's important to note that some smile imperfections may also have implications for your oral health. Be sure to discuss any concerns with our dentist, who can offer guidance and, if needed, refer you to another health professional for further assistance.
