Checkups and Cleanings with Your Dentist in Crown Point

If you know someone that has a beautiful smile, then chances are that person takes good care of their teeth, which includes scheduling regular dental checkups and cleanings. At these appointments, your dentist in Crown Point will clean your teeth, look for signs and symptoms of dental problems and offer you advice on how you can improve your oral hygiene routine at home.

The American Dental Association recommends that everyone see the dentist at least twice each year. Seeing the dentist in Whiting this often helps keep your smile healthy, attractive and free of conditions that could threaten your oral and general health. During a checkup, a dental hygienist cleans and polishes your teeth, removing surface stains that can mar the appearance of your teeth. Plaque and tartar are removed, too. These are the precursors to tooth decay and gum disease.

In addition, one of our dentists will examine your teeth, gums and soft tissue. We’re looking for early signs of trouble, such as a soft spot in tooth enamel that might indicate a cavity is forming. We also check the integrity of existing fillings, dental crowns and other dental work. Finally, the dentist will examine the soft tissue of your mouth and lips to see if there are any signs of oral cancer. Early detection at a dental checkup could be key to survival.

At-Home Oral Hygiene

In addition to seeing the dentist in Whiting every six months, you also need to take care of your teeth with good oral hygiene care at home. The professional cleaning in our office is important, but so is brushing and flossing at home. Here’s what you can do to make sure you’re doing a good job.

1. Always use fluoride toothpaste and a brush with soft bristles. A toothbrush with hard bristles might scratch your tooth enamel.
2. Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle against your teeth and gums.
3. Brush twice a day for two minutes at a time.
4. Floss every day to remove particles of food trapped between teeth, as well as plaque that has accumulated along the gum line.
5. Use about 18 inches of floss so you have a clean section for each pair of teeth.
6. Gently guide the floss between teeth and then move it up and down and back and forth. Floss below the gum line, but be careful not to place too much pressure on delicate tissue.