Why Are Dental Cleanings So Important?

Dental cleanings play an essential role in maintaining good oral health. Working with your dentist to keep your teeth and gums healthy can prevent tooth loss and preserve your smile. Dr. Brianna Rafetto of Bright Dental – Brianna Rafetto, D.M.D., P.A. in Middletown, Delaware, works diligently to help her patients protect their teeth and preserve their smiles. Regular dental cleanings are the best way to stay ahead of many common issues that can lead to tooth loss and poor oral health.

What does your dentist look for during a cleaning?

During an annual dental cleaning, your dentist will look for any signs of tooth decay, infection, or damage to the structures in the mouth. Red and swollen gum tissues can indicate some degree of infection. Lesions on the tongue or cheeks may indicate a broken or damaged tooth. Tooth pain may be indicative of a cavity or tooth decay. Your dentist can find issues in their earliest stages before they become major problems and develop a treatment plan that meets your needs.

Why is it important to find problems in their earliest stages?

Catching problems in their earliest stages allows your dentist to correct them before they can cause major damage. If your dentist can catch issues early on, they will have more treatment options to choose from. Having more options means a better chance that the tooth can be saved, and there will be fewer complications in the future. When a problem is in an advanced state, you may have fewer treatment options that will work successfully.

Are X-rays always taken?

In most cases, X-rays will only be taken every year. If a tooth is showing signs of damage or decay, your dentist may ask for an X-ray of that particular tooth. The need for full sets of X-rays is lower and won’t be required at every cleaning. X-rays allow your dentist to see the surrounding bone and deeper surfaces of a tooth. They will often show imperfections before they are visible clinically.

How can I get my kids used to seeing the dentist?

If you want to build a positive relationship between your children and your family dentist, make sure they visit the dental office at least once a year for an exam and deep cleaning. During these appointments, your dentist can interact with your child and get to know them. Letting your kids get to know your dentist during good times will put them at ease during appointments when work needs to be done.

How often should I schedule a dental cleaning?

Dr. Brianna Rafetto of Bright Dental – Brianna Rafetto, D.M.D., P.A. in Middletown, DE, encourages her patients to schedule dental cleanings at least once a year. Having a thorough exam is important if you want to maintain good oral health. This ensures any problems are found and dealt with before they can cause extensive damage. If you are an existing patient, call (302) 376-7882. New patients can call (302) 391-6222 to schedule an appointment.

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