Lakefront Family Dentistry Blog

HOW A REGISTERED DENTAL HYGIENIST CAN IMPROVE YOUR ORAL HEALTH

Why Dentists Recommend Having a Professional Dental Cleaning Every Six Months

When you’re marking the calendar for birthdays and doctors’ appointments, make sure to add a dental visit to the list. The Academy of General Dentistry reports that having a professional dental cleaning at least two times per year can vastly improve oral health.

Lakefront Family Dentistry has three registered dental hygienists waiting to help with your dental needs. Dr. Derek B. Hauser is a licensed practitioner and has served Riverside County for more than 20 years. He and his staff specialize in preventive care, cosmetic dentistry services and advanced dentistry treatments. Contact Lakefront Family Dentistry at (951) 244-9495 or Request an Appointment Online Today!

Professional Cleanings Decrease the Risk of Heart Attack

Recent studies by the American Heart Association (AHA) show a connection between oral health and cardiovascular illnesses, such as heart disease and stroke. Although more research is necessary, one theory is that bacterial overgrowth in the mouth is seeping its way through the gums and into the bloodstream. Once these bacteria are in the blood, hard plaque forms, which causes blockage in the blood vessels. If left untreated, this could result in a stroke or heart attack.

Almost 100,000 people were studied in the AHA study within a seven-year period. Half of the participants never received a professional cleaning. The results suggested that there was a 24 percent decreased risk of heart disease among those who had their teeth cleaned professionally at least once over that period. The report also concluded that people who had professional cleanings at least once per year had an even better chance of avoiding a heart attack.

Getting a Dental Cleaning

During a cleaning, the dentist will perform preventive and diagnostic services. Diagnostic services may include:

  • Reviewing and updating medical history, including information about pregnancy, heart problems, diabetes and medications, which may have an impact on the patient’s health
  • Examining and screening for oral cancer
  • Evaluating gum tissue
  • Checking chewing, biting and swallowing patterns
  • Examining decay
  • Taking X-rays of teeth
  • Referring patients to specialists for specific treatments

Preventive services can include:

  • Removing tartar and plaque
  • Removing stains
  • Applying fluoride
  • Polishing teeth, including crowns and fillings
  • Adjusting and cleaning dentures

The dentist may also offer additional educational information, including:

  • Providing tooth flossing and brushing instructions
  • Counseling on nutritional
  • Recommending treatments, such as when to return for a follow-up, periodontal concerns or restorative options
  • Counseling on tobacco-cessation

Improving Oral Care at Home

Most of us are taught at a young age that it is more than important to maintain healthy gums and teeth.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that everyone brush twice per day for two minutes at a time. Using floss after eating helps keep a mouth clean and healthy. During your appointment, the hygienist may demonstrate proper flossing and brushing techniques to use at home.

Electric toothbrushes are excellent options that offer a superior clean. They have been proven to be more effective at removing bacteria and plaque than manual brushes.

Lakefront Family Dentistry recommends the Sonicare brand to patients and their families. These designs feature patented sonic technology that has two times the whitening power and is proven to remove five times more plaque than a manual toothbrush. During your appointment, the Lakefront Family Dentistry staff can discuss the benefits and features of Sonicare toothbrush models.

Schedule an Appointment With Dr. Hauser

During your appointment, a highly skilled dental hygienist will conduct a thorough teeth cleaning, using special tools that remove tartar from around the gum line and the enamel. If not professionally removed, the gums may become inflamed, which can cause gingivitis.

In addition to cleanings, Lakefront Family Dentistry offers several cosmetic services. Our patients can enjoy the comfort and convenience of having all their dental needs provided by the same experienced staff. Dr. Hauser also performs advanced treatments, such as periodontal and root canal therapy.

We aim to provide our patients with the best professional teeth cleaning and bright, healthy smiles!  We also do all we can to make sure each of our visitors enjoys a happy, fun atmosphere. To meet one of Dr. Hauser’s three registered hygienists, Contact Lakefront Family Dentistry at (951) 244-9495 or Request an Appointment Online Today!