Taking Care of Your Smile at Home
Because you see your smile much more than your dentist ever could, it’s important to realize the majority of care will be done at home. Be sure to prioritize a healthy oral care routine that includes twice-daily brushing (gently, for approximately 2 minutes), once-daily flossing, and regularly gargling with mouthwash. Each aspect of this regimen plays a unique role in caring for your teeth, and if you stick to it, you’ll give your smile a fighting chance against plaque buildup and tooth decay.
Dental Appliances
If your dentist has prescribed you an oral device, such as a mouthguard or retainer, be sure to keep track of it and wear it as recommended. Dental appliances should be reasonably comfortable and wearable; be sure to discuss any issues you have with your dentist so that a solution can be found.
Dental Cleaning and Exams
It’s recommended that you visit your Woodland Hills dentist every six months (or twice per year). Not only will your dentist be able to clean areas of your teeth that a tooth brush and floss can’t, they can also provide an exam to identify any developing issues with your teeth.
Dental Cleaning
Also referred to as oral prophylaxis, a tooth cleaning procedure involves scaling the supragingival (exposed) and subgingival (below the gumline) surface of the teeth. This process involves the removal of plaque and calcular deposits using a dental scaler, curette, or an ultrasonic machine.
Preventing Gingivitis
Regular exams not only help you build a relationship with your Woodland Hills dentist, they also provide more opportunities for developing issues to be identified and addressed before advancing. Gingivitis, a reversible gum condition, is one such issue that can be detected early by the presence of swollen, irritated, or reddish gums. In some cases, the symptoms will be even more severe, including pain, bleeding, and the formation of pus. If you do not seek treatment, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, which can leave lasting damage.
Deep Cleaning Treatments
If it’s been some time since your last visit, a basic dental cleaning may not be enough, and a deep cleaning may be necessary. A deep cleaning can help restore the health of the periodontium and greatly slow the progression of gum disease.
Contact Our Woodland Hills Dentist
Whether you’ve stayed consistent with your dental care or had a lapse, we want to help you attain your best smile. Our Woodland Hills dentist office is staffed by compassionate dental care professionals who provide a variety of services ranging from general to more complex. Please don’t hesitate to reach out today with any questions or to schedule an appointment.
