DENTAL EXAM
& CLEANING
Great dental hygiene begins with good habits at an early age. Because prevention is one of the best ways to achieve optimum oral health, the skilled dental hygiene team at Belgrade Family Dental is passionate about helping patients of all ages develop good dental habits. To avoid complications in the future, take care of your teeth now by calling the office in Belgrade, Montana, or going online to schedule a dental exam and cleaning.
What can I expect at a dental hygiene appointment?
A typical visit with a trained dental hygienist involves an oral exam, cancer screening, professional teeth cleaning, and possibly X-rays. The caring team at Belgrade Family Dental welcomes you into their office so you feel at ease in their state-of-the-art treatment rooms.
Before beginning the exam, one of the skilled and personable hygienists talks to you about any oral health concerns you have and update your medical records.
Next, the hygienist meticulously cleans your teeth and examines the overall health of your mouth. This includes teeth polishing, flossing, assessing gum health, and an oral exam. The hygienists at Belgrade Family Dental pay close attention to each patient’s comfort, ensuring that adults and children alike feel comfortable and relaxed during the cleaning.
Then, your dentist examines your teeth and gums, consulting with the hygienist regarding any past or future restorative work such as fillings, crowns, or dental implants. They assess your oral health and may recommend corrective options or additional preventive treatments to keep your teeth looking and feeling their best.
Why does dental hygiene matter?
In addition to whiter teeth and fresh breath, good dental hygiene can make a big difference in your overall health. Medical experts link periodontal (gum) disease to an increased risk of heart disease. Surprisingly, men and women with advanced periodontal disease have twice the risk of suffering a heart attack than adults who have healthy teeth and gums. That’s reason enough to get your teeth cleaned on a regular basis.
Preventive care that involves visiting a dental hygienist and yearly oral exams can detect oral cancer before you have symptoms. The Belgrade Family Dental team is trained to carefully inspect your gums, tongue, lips, and mouth for any suspicious changes. You may not feel any symptoms from a small discolored patch in your mouth, but to a skilled team, it may be cause for concern. Early detection of abnormalities is crucial to a positive outcome.
How often should I have my teeth professionally cleaned?
At the very least, most dentists agree that children and adults with no significant risk factors should have plaque and tartar professionally removed from their teeth once a year. However, more than half of all Americans have one or more risk factors. That means you should have two professional dental cleanings and oral exams each year.
The Belgrade Family Dental team believes it’s never too late to have better dental hygiene. For a complete assessment of your oral health and a professional cleaning, call or schedule an appointment online today.