Dental Hygiene/Exams

Our teeth and gums require continuous upkeep. Your six-month checkup is a time to look for any new issues since your last dental visit and make sure your teeth are staying strong and healthy. 

What’s the Difference Between Professional Dental Cleaning and Brushing at Home?

After a dental cleaning, you’ll leave our practice with teeth that feel much smoother and possibly whiter. But the real benefit of a professional cleaning comes from the special tools used to remove plaque and small deposits that you might not even be able to see in a mirror. We are able to reach areas of your teeth that a brush might not be able to get to, and we use tools that are small enough to clean the areas in and around your gums. The cosmetic benefits of a professional cleaning are nice, but the deep cleaning to remove bacteria from plaque is immensely beneficial to your overall health. 

Checking on Receding Gums and Issues at The Gum Line

Issues in your mouth really can impact your overall health, especially in the gums. Receding gums are quite common, especially as we age, and aren’t necessarily a cause for concern; unless your gums recede to the point that your tooth roots become exposed. If that’s the case, we’ll talk through your options for solutions.

Our main concern when we check your gums is swelling or signs of infection. Infections that start in the gums because of built-up bacteria can travel to other parts of the body. That’s why it’s important to keep up on dental hygiene at home and visit us for regular checkups. We can scrape away buildup under the gums and prevent further damage that would otherwise lead to complications down the road.

How Do I Prepare for a Dental Exam?

During your first visit, it helps us to understand your health history because certain conditions and medications can be important to know as we address dental issues. At your exam, we can suggest ways to get the most out of your dental hygiene habits and recommend products that may help with your primary concerns, such as hot and cold sensitivity, teeth whitening, or swollen gums.

Do Dentists Conduct Oral Cancer Screenings?

Dr. Pinson and our staff care about your whole mouth. The soft tissue on the sides of your mouth, under your tongue, and on the roof of your mouth are places we carefully examine at every visit. If you notice a sore or patch of tissue that is irritated and doesn’t seem to heal, give us a call or mention it when you come in for a dental exam. In some cases, we may take a sample of tissue for a biopsy. Dr. Pinson is skilled at oral cancer screenings and will help you understand what’s going on and the next steps to take to address any issues.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office via phone, email, or schedule an appointment online.