Family Dentist in San Marcos and Professional Teeth Cleanings

THERE IS NO DOUBT that daily brushing and flossing are essential to dental health care. But biannual professional teeth cleanings from your family dentist in San Marcos, CA, are crucial, no matter your age. 

WHAT IS A DENTAL CLEANING LIKE?

A dental cleaning typically begins with a physical exam of the mouth, X-rays, and periodontal screening. These screenings are essential for checking for inflammation, bleeding, and sensitivity in the gums. 

After the exam, a dental hygienist removes plaque and tartar (calcified bacteria deposits) that coat the teeth and gums using scalers and ultrasonic instruments. Once the teeth are clean, your family dentist will polish and apply a fluoride treatment to strengthen the teeth for a healthy smile.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DENTAL CLEANINGS?

Regular teeth cleanings keep smiles looking bright and boast many benefits to oral and general health. Read why professional dental cleanings by your family dentist in San Marcos are highly recommended.

#1 Early detection of dental problems 

During cleaning with Doche Family Dental, patients may receive X-rays to check the condition of the teeth, roots, and jaw for problems not seen with an oral exam. X-rays show the position of the unruptured teeth and can help determine if there is a need for braces and also indicate any infections, cysts, or tumors. 

#2 Cavity and gum disease prevention.

During a dental cleaning, built-up plaque is removed. The bacteria in plaque is full of acids that eat at tooth enamel and eventually lead to tooth decay.

Gum disease starts when plaque builds up around and below the gum line. A dental hygienist removes this plaque during the cleaning, which reduces the risk of developing gum disease and retains your beautiful smile.

#3 Fresh breath

Bad breath is not necessarily from eating garlic and other smelly foods. An underlying dental issue almost always causes it. Plaque harbors bad-smelling bacteria. If not removed, it creates terrible breath, which is uncomfortable for everyone involved. 

#4 Improves total health

Untreated infections and tooth decay can lead to tooth loss. However, the health issues do not end there. Bacteria thrive in bad oral conditions and contribute to many other diseases and physical health problems. 

For example, gum disease can increase the risk of heart disease. The bacteria in the mouth’s soft tissues can lead to the narrowing of arteries. Endocarditis is an infection in the heart’s inner lining caused by bacteria in the bloodstream spread from somewhere else in the body, such as the gums.

Harmful mouth bacteria can spread into the lungs, causing bronchitis or pneumonia. Gum disease can cause inflammation in the airways, worsening chronic lung diseases such as asthma. Untreated gum infections are even dangerous for pregnant women because they have been linked to premature labor.

Visit Your Family Dentist in San Marcos

Preventative dental care by your family dentist in San Marcos is vital to oral health and overall health. Don’t put off your dental cleanings. They help identify problems early on and nip them in the bud before a severe and painful problem starts. See Doche Family Dental in San Marcos, California, for the best preventive dentistry.