Undoubtedly, a thorough at-home oral hygiene routine is crucial for maintaining a healthy smile. However, this type of care has to be combined with professional cleanings and assessments in order to optimize your results. The American Dental Association recommends that patients complete professional cleanings every six months or so, and our Elmhurst dentists can help you figure out if this schedule is right for you. Keep reading to learn more about the importance of professional appointments.
The first thing that we do during these appointments is to clear away accumulated plaque and tartar. No matter how thoroughly you clean your smile at home, it is inevitable that some plaque and bacteria will remain. Professional cleanings are essential for helping you refresh your smile.
Professional cleanings also give our team an opportunity to screen your smile for signs of emerging damage, like periodontal disease, cavities, and enamel deterioration. We can spot dental problems that are not noticeable to the average patients, so we’re able to treat these issues before they become too severe. This generally means that you benefit from faster, less invasive, and more affordable treatment.
Every professional cleaning also includes an oral cancer screening. Every time that we meet, our dentists will scan your smile for signs of cancerous or pre-cancerous tissues. Again, prompt detection and treatment are of the utmost importance, so it’s important that you not skip out on scheduled appointments.
Even if it has been years since you’ve been in to see your dentist for a cleaning and assessment, our Elmhurst dentists are here to help you get back on track. We’re here to help you get the treatment you need to enjoy an attractive and healthy smile again; no smile is beyond help.
As always, you can reach out to our dental team by giving our office a call, or by using the Contact Us page on our site.