Family Dentist in Phoenix, Arizona Explains the Importance of Routine Checkups and Cleanings

Oral health care is important for patients of all ages from children to seniors. It is crucial to find a family dentist you trust and with whom you are comfortable. Located in Phoenix, Arizona, the team at Biltmore Dental Center offers top quality comprehensive dental care, including routine checkups and cleanings for the whole family.

Dental care requires a team effort. As the patient, you take the time to eat nutritious foods, limit sugary drinks and foods, and brush and floss your teeth. Although each aspect is important for keeping your teeth healthy and strong, it is not enough. Regular dental appointments are necessary too. At Biltmore Dental Center, our dental team cleans your teeth, checks the health of your mouth, and addresses problems, if any arise.

Routine Checkups and Cleanings

Unless otherwise directed by your dentist, regular dental appointments are scheduled every six months. This timing is precisely scheduled. In six months, there is little time for plaque and tartar to accumulate. Also, if problems arise in this brief time, they are generally minor and easily fixed. Routine appointments are a time for cleaning, check-up, x-rays, and education.

During your routine examination, your teeth are cleaned and polished. Your dental hygienist uses special instruments to remove plaque and tartar. These tools allow a deeper removal of built-up tartar than you can achieve at home. Hard-to-reach areas are more accessible with your hygienist’s tools as well. Every area is cleaned and assessed.

X-rays may be recommended yearly to watch for changes and to check the underlying structures of your mouth. X-rays also show signs of decay or cavities that may not be immediately visible. Your dentist uses the x-rays and his own assessment of your teeth and gums to check for issues such as periodontal disease. If problems are found, they can be treated in a timely manner. Early detection keeps dental issues from escalating and improves the likelihood of simple, successful treatments.

Your dental team strives to maintain your oral health. Regular appointments play a vital role. Routine checkups and cleanings help protect the health and integrity of your teeth, gums, and mouth.

The Patient’s Role

Your dental team cleans, assesses, and treats your mouth during routine examinations. They also provide patient education. This includes instructions on the proper methods of brushing and flossing, healthy lifestyle tips, and how to care for dental restorations.

As the patient, your role in your oral health team is to follow good practices at home. Proper oral hygiene is necessary to maintain a healthy smile and your overall wellness. The health of your mouth is connected to the health of your body.

Your dental team may give you tips for a positive oral health regimen at home.

• Brush your teeth morning and night for at least two minutes each time. If you can brush after meals, that is ideal, but may be difficult depending on your daily routine.
• Floss after brushing to remove food particles from between your teeth.
• Rinse with mouthwash or use an oral irrigator once each day. This rinses particles that may be in hard-to-reach areas.
• Replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head at least every six months. Using a toothbrush with broken bristles is ineffective at removing plaque or stains.
• Avoid tobacco use.
• Limit your intake of sugary foods or drinks.
• Visit your dentist every six months for routine cleanings and checkups.

Mouth-Body Connection

Oral hygiene plays a role in your overall health and wellness. What enters your mouth, good or bad, affects your body. Your mouth is the portal. Just as food travels through the body, so does bacteria that remain in the mouth. Studies have shown a link between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease.

On the other hand, if you already have conditions such as diabetes, HIV/AIDS, osteoporosis, or Alzheimer’s, your oral health may be at risk. These conditions lower your body’s resistance to infection. Oral health may become worse as a side effect. For patients with these conditions, regular dental examinations are crucial for maintaining your oral and overall health.

Routine dental care is important for all patients. If you need a family dentist, contact the team at Biltmore Dental Center. We keep Phoenix smiling. Call 602-704-0659.