Stephens General Dentistry | Dentist in Muskogee, Oklahoma
THERE IS NO DOUBT that daily brushing and flossing are essential. But regular professional cleanings from your dentist in Muskogee are crucial, regardless of age. Teeth cleanings should be done by your dentist twice a year.
WHAT IS A DENTAL CLEANING PROCEDURE?
Routine dental cleaning by your dentist in Muskogee typically begins with a physical exam of the mouth, X-rays, and periodontal screening. These screenings are essential for checking the gums for inflammation, bleeding, and sensitivity.
After the exam, hard calcified bacteria deposits (tartar) that coat the teeth and gums are removed by scaling and root planing and state-of-the-art ultrasonic instruments. Once removed and the teeth are deep cleaned, your dental hygienist will polish and apply a fluoride treatment to strengthen the teeth.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DENTAL CLEANINGS?
Regular teeth cleanings keep smiles looking bright and boast many benefits to oral and general health. Here are some reasons why professional dental cleanings by your dentist in Muskogee are essential.
Early detection of dental problems
During a deep dental cleaning at our dental practice, patients may receive X-rays to check the condition of the teeth, roots, and jaw for unseen problems with an oral exam. The X-rays show the position of the teeth and can help determine if there is a need for braces and indicate if there are any infections, cysts, or tumors.
Prevents cavities and gum disease
During a dental cleaning, plaque is removed. If plaque builds up, it hardens into tartar which causes tooth decay. Removing bacteria is crucial because the plaque is full of acid that eats at tooth enamel, eventually leading to cavities in your teeth.
Gum disease starts when plaque builds up. The bacteria in the plaque infect the gums around and below the gum line. Your dentist removes this plaque during the cleaning, which reduces the risk of developing gum disease.
No more halitosis
Halitosis, or bad breath, is not necessarily from eating a bit of garlic but is almost always caused by an underlying dental issue. Removing plaque and tartar will get rid of foul-smelling bacteria. If not removed, it creates terrible breath, which is uncomfortable for everyone involved.
Improves total health
Untreated infections and cavities can lead to the loss of a tooth. However, the issues do not end there. Bad oral conditions where bacteria thrive contribute to many other diseases and health problems.
Gum disease can increase the risk of heart disease. The bacteria in the gums may lead to the narrowing of arteries. Endocarditis is an infection that affects the heart’s inner lining. It’s a bacteria that spreads through the bloodstream from somewhere else in the body, such as the gums.
Bacteria in the mouth can spread into the lungs to cause bronchitis or even pneumonia. Gum disease worsens chronic lung diseases such as asthma because of the inflammation in the airways. Untreated gum infections have even been linked to premature labor.
Visit Your Dentist in Muskogee, Oklahoma
Preventative dental care by your dentist in Muskogee, OK, is vital to oral and general health. Don’t wait too long for your cleanings. They can help identify problems early and nip them in the bud before severe pain starts. See us at Stephens General Dentistry for the best preventive dental procedures around.
