Coming Clean With Executive Dentistry
Healthy smiles begin at home with regular brushing and flossing. However, regular dental cleanings and exams are also a vital part of preventive dental care. Dental cleanings are one of the most common, yet most important procedures dentists perform to keep your smile healthy. These cleanings free your teeth of stuck-on plaque and tartar that at-home methods can’t remove.
What Is Preventive Dentistry?
Preventive dentistry focuses on oral health maintenance to avoid developing problems or intervening as soon as possible to keep any dental issues minimal. With regular dental cleanings and examinations from our general dentist, you can avoid gum disease, oral cancers, and other conditions, or begin treatment in their early stages.
Importance of Exams & Cleanings
Getting your semi-annual exam and cleaning can help more than you may know. Regular cleanings can help with:
Identifying Possible Health Issues: Your teeth can tell your doctor a lot about your overall health. By getting regular exams, Dr. Abraham can identify signs of the following conditions:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Pneumonia
- Stroke
- Pregnancy complications
- Endocarditis
If signs of these conditions are identified, please follow up with your primary care physician.
Reducing Plaque Buildup — Professional teeth cleanings are one of the most effective ways to get rid of plaque and tartar. Plaque is an opaque bacteria film that hardens into tartar, which is the leading cause of gum disease and tooth decay. Our Ithaca dental team uses specialized dental tools to clean your teeth, reaching areas you can easily miss at home. For many patients, routine cleanings are enough to reverse the effects of minor tooth decay and gum disease.
Identifying Gum Disease — While cleaning your teeth, Dr. Abraham may be able to diagnose periodontal disease by looking for signs of gum recession, bleeding, and tooth mobility.
What to Expect During Your Visit
During your routine dental visits, Dr. Abraham will clean and examine the teeth and gums. Family dentists may also check the tongue, throat, head, neck, and mouth. These examinations can help your dentist determine the state of your mouth, your health, and help catch diseases early.
After thoroughly cleaning the teeth and gums, we’ll polish and floss your smile to give it a clean, beautiful shine. Depending on the state of your teeth and gums, Dr. Abraham may recommend changes to your hygiene routine or future treatments to protect your oral health.
Screening for Oral Cancer — Thanks to modern technology, we can detect even the earliest signs of oral cancer. Early detection leads to a higher survival rate, so don’t hesitate to schedule a screening appointment if you suspect you may have symptoms of oral cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Professional teeth cleanings are essential to maintaining good oral health. Dr. Abraham uses high-grade tools to remove hardened plaque and tartar that can’t be removed by brushing and flossing on your own. If left untreated, a build-up of plaque and tartar may lead to oral health complications such as cavities and tooth decay.
Dental cleanings are generally painless. If you have sensitive teeth or gums, our Detroit dentist can apply a topical numbing cream. Your health and safety are our top priority, and we’ll do everything in our power to make your visits comfortable.
Children should begin seeing their dentist regularly as soon as their first baby tooth begins to come in. Plaque and tartar buildup can happen at any age, and it’s vital to develop healthy habits early.
With professional gum disease treatment, we can treat most early-stage cases of gum disease. The first stage, gingivitis, can even be reversed with the help of better oral hygiene practices and regular visits to the dentist.
Guard Your Smile
When you set up an appointment with your Dearborn, MI dentist for your biannual cleaning and exam, you start your journey to a well-protected smile. To schedule your appointment, contact our office by calling 313-914-4440 or by filling out our convenient online contact form. Our dedicated dentist and staff will ensure that you’re comfortable and get the best high-quality care possible.