We figure you probably already know that we encourage you to visit us once every six months for dental cleanings. However, we find that patients don’t always completely understand the frequency of appointments that we suggest or the great significance of home care between visits. By providing you with a better understanding of why twice annual cleanings are so important and how to best take care of your teeth at home, we offer you a very powerful tool: effective preventive dentistry.
Keeping Your Smile Clean, Healthy, and Beautiful
Why We Encourage Cleanings
You can take excellent care of your teeth at home, which is an essential aspect of preventive care. However, you cannot keep them completely clean on your own. To fully treat and remove plaque – the substance that leads to tooth decay and gum disease – you will need a professional dental cleaning once every six months. We will offer gentle yet comprehensive removal of plaque with special instruments, so you can feel confident you are doing your best to avoid cavity development and periodontal disease.
You Need to Brush
Between visits, plaque will rest on your teeth and adhere itself every single day. By allowing plaque to sit unaddressed for as few as 24 to 48 hours, you may be greatly increasing your likelihood of experiencing a cavity. Within this brief time span, the plaque may harden into a substance called calculus that is somewhat like cement. You will not be able to remove it with your own practices, which can quickly lead to inflammation or decay. By brushing twice a day for two minutes per session – with the use of a soft-bristle toothbrush – you can kiss plaque goodbye.
Flossing Is Important, Too!
Brushing addresses a good amount of plaque on your teeth but it’s not so wonderful at removing this bacteria-laden substance from between your teeth. To ensure you address every trace, we encourage you to floss. Make sure you begin with a long segment – preferably 1 to 2 feet. And remember to use a fresh part of the floss segment as you move throughout your mouth, flossing between all of your teeth.
ABOUT YOUR DOWNEY DENTISTS:
Dr. Hadis Reyhani, Dr. Ben Reyhani, and Dr. Pasha Hakimzadeh, DDS, provide a wealth of combined experience, along with innovative technology and personalized care, to help improve our patients’ dental health so they can enjoy smiling again. To schedule a consultation, call Downey Family Cosmetic Dentistry today at (562) 472-2433.
