At Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry, we believe that a healthy, beautiful smile starts with excellent oral hygiene. Regular dental cleanings and proper dental hygiene practices are essential for maintaining the health of your teeth and gums. Our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive dental care, including professional teeth cleanings, to help you achieve and maintain optimal oral health.
Dr. John Schmid provides both cosmetic and general dentistry services to patients throughout the Austin area.
Why Dental Hygiene Matters
Maintaining good dental hygiene is more than just having a bright smile; it is crucial for overall health. Poor oral hygiene can lead to a variety of problems, including gum disease, tooth decay, bad breath, and even more serious health issues like heart disease and diabetes. By keeping your teeth and gums healthy through regular dental visits and proper home care, you are taking an essential step toward preserving your overall well-being.
At-Home Oral Hygiene
You must do your part to maintain good dental hygiene and prevent common dental problems by adopting an at-home practice consisting of:
- Brushing your teeth. Your teeth should be brushed at least two to three times a day. When you brush, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to help protect your tooth enamel. Only soft pressure is necessary. Make sure you are using a fluoride toothpaste as well, and brushing for at least two minutes each time.
- Flossing. The only way to remove food particles and plaque from in between your teeth is by flossing. Flossing is one of the most important ways to prevent gum disease. You should use a clean section of floss to get in between each tooth. Be sure to floss along the entire length of each tooth, all the way to your gum line. Floss once a day, every day.
- Avoiding sugary foods and beverages. The bacteria in plaque love sugar and simple carbohydrates. Unfortunately, when these bacteria consume sugars, they produce acids that can quickly lead to tooth decay. Even natural sugars such as those in fruit can cause tooth decay, making it a good idea to brush your teeth after every snack or at least rinse your mouth with water.
Your at-home routine is your first line of defense against gum disease and tooth decay. It can also help keep your teeth white by removing surface stains, keep your breath fresh by removing food particles and bacteria, and help you avoid long-term health problems that have been linked to poor dental hygiene.
Professional Teeth Cleaning
Professional teeth cleanings, or prophylaxis, are a vital part of preventive dental care. When you visit Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry for a dental cleaning, you can expect a thorough and gentle experience that focuses on both the health and comfort of your smile. Our skilled dental hygienists will:
- Remove Plaque and Tartar: Even with excellent at-home brushing and flossing, plaque can build up and harden into tartar. We use specialized tools to remove this buildup, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.
- Thorough Teeth Polishing: After removing plaque and tartar, we polish your teeth to remove surface stains and leave your smile looking fresh and bright.
- Fluoride Treatment (if needed): We offer fluoride treatments to strengthen your teeth and help prevent cavities, especially for patients prone to tooth decay.
- Oral Health Examination: During your visit, Dr. John Schmid will carefully examine your teeth, gums, and jaw to catch early signs of cavities, gum disease, or other issues. Early detection allows for simple treatments like fillings, while more advanced problems can also be addressed to keep your smile healthy.
The Importance of Regular Dental Visits
The American Dental Association recommends that patients visit their dentist for a professional cleaning at least twice a year. However, the frequency of your visits may vary depending on your individual needs. Regular dental cleanings help:
- Prevent Gum Disease: Regular cleanings remove the plaque and tartar that can lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease.
- Detect Early Signs of Oral Health Issues: Early detection of dental problems like cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer allows for less invasive and more effective treatment.
- Maintain Fresh Breath: Professional cleanings help prevent halitosis (bad breath) caused by plaque and tartar buildup.
- Brighten Your Smile: Regular cleanings remove surface stains from coffee, tea, and other foods, helping your smile look its best.
Are Dental X-Rays Safe?
Many patients worry about the safety of dental X-rays because they involve radiation. However, because the exposure levels are so low, dental X-rays are considered safe for children and adults. According to the American Dental Association, radiation exposure associated with dentistry is minor compared to the total exposure from all other sources.
We put your safety first in everything that we do. Our office uses digital X-rays that produce up to 90 percent less radiation than traditional technology. We take a reserved approach and will only recommend X-rays when you truly need them.
Are Dental Cleanings Painful?
Your regularly scheduled dental cleanings should not cause you pain. However, the process can be a bit uncomfortable if you do not practice good oral hygiene at home with proper brushing and flossing techniques. You may be dealing with issues such as sensitivity and gum inflammation. These issues can become more apparent during a dental cleaning.
Our dental hygienists are committed to making your cleanings as comfortable as possible. These visits should get easier and easier over time as your oral health improves.
How Many Times a Day Should I Use Mouthwash?
Mouthwash can be a good addition to your daily dental hygiene routine. Depending on the ingredients, mouthwash can kill harmful bacteria in your mouth, whiten your teeth, and help with conditions such as dry mouth. Most brands recommend that you use their products twice a day after brushing and flossing.
Bear in mind that using mouthwash more often than directed can do more harm than good. Talk to our dentist if you have any questions about using mouthwash properly.
Are Dental Exams Covered By Insurance?
Most dental insurance policies provide coverage for regular checkups and cleanings. You can usually get these types of preventative services covered at 80% to 100%. Check with your provider to confirm the details of your policy.
Remember that there is a limit to what your dental insurance plan will cover in a year. If you need to get dental exams more frequently than average, or if you need a service such as a deep cleaning, you may have to pay more out of pocket.
In general, these costs are far lower than what you would pay if you skipped your preventive appointments altogether. Patients who wait to schedule a visit until they notice a serious dental issue often require more expensive and involved dental procedures.
Dedicated to Your Oral Health
At Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry in Austin, we understand each patient has unique needs. Dr. Schmid may recommend you visit our office every six months for cleanings and examinations, but may also increase or decrease the frequency of your visits based on your specific oral health requirements.
We are a patient-focused practice committed to providing individualized treatment plans. Dr. Schmid will work closely with you to develop the treatment schedule that makes the most sense for your teeth and oral health. Contact Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry to schedule an appointment with Dr. John Schmid.