How Do I Maintain a Healthy Smile?
At Hebron Family Dentistry, we are proponents of prevention to ensure our valued patients enjoy healthy, beautiful smiles for life. We encourage you to maintain proper oral hygiene habits and stay current on your regular dental exams and cleanings to lower the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health concerns. We look forward to working alongside you to ensure your smile stays healthy and sound.
How Often Should You See Your Dentist?
Most dental professionals agree that you should visit your dentist every six months for routine dental care. Dr. Watson may recommend more frequent visits for patients with periodontal disease or those at a higher risk of tooth decay. Most dental insurances cover twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings to detect early signs of dental problems and lower the risk of cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss.
Routine Preventive Dental Services
Even with the most meticulous home oral hygiene practices, it’s important to visit Hebron Family Dentistry for your routine preventive care. Being proactive and preventing the onset or progression of dental disease will avoid the need for costly and complex treatments down the road.
Maintaining a healthy smile will reflect on your overall health. Research shows a link between gum disease and serious health concerns, such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.
Here’s a look at what you can expect during your routine dental visits:
Dental Exam: We will capture diagnostic x-ray images of your mouth to uncover problems we can’t see during a physical examination. These include early signs of tooth decay, bone loss, cysts, or other potential concerns.
Dr. Watson will examine your teeth and restorations and evaluate your gums to detect and address any problems as they develop. She will also conduct a bite analysis, TMJ evaluation, and oral cancer screening to rule out abnormalities. Dr. Watson will use this information to create a personalized treatment plan to address any immediate needs and preventive measures required to restore and maintain a healthy smile.
Dental Cleaning: Our dental hygienist will use a dental instrument called a scaler to remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth and gum line. Next is professional flossing to remove any food particles or plaque from between your teeth. The final step is polishing your teeth to remove surface stains, leaving you with a whiter, brighter smile.
We may recommend a fluoride treatment, if needed, to strengthen your tooth enamel and make it more resistant to decay. Dental cleanings have been shown to lower the risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
Home Oral Hygiene Tips for a Healthy Smile
It’s important to care for your smile at home between dental visits. That includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing regularly, and rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash. Regular brushing and flossing remove leftover food particles and plaque, lowering your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Make sure to maintain a balanced diet to provide your teeth and gums with the nutrients they need to stay healthy. Avoid habits that can harm your oral health, including consuming sugary or acidic foods and beverages, biting down on hard objects, or using tobacco products. If you have any questions or need more tips on home oral hygiene practices, our team is here to help.
Preventive Services Near Me
Contact Hebron Family Dentistry in Hebron, KY, to learn more about keeping your smile in tip-top shape. We’re happy to offer cutting-edge preventive dentistry solutions for long-term healthy smiles. You can always count on Dr. Watson and her team for state-of-the-art, compassionate care. Call 859-689-2021 to schedule your appointment today!