Dental Cleanings and Exams Can Prevent Serious Issues and Save Money

Bacteria buildup and other oral health issues are not easily detectable on your own. During a routine appointment, Dr. James M. Stein can discover symptoms of decay or damage in their earliest stages. If caught early, eliminating bacteria can not only save you money on costly treatments in the future, but can protect your oral and overall health. Regular professional dental cleanings and exams at our Boston, MA, office are crucial to safeguarding the long-term health of your smile. Seeing Dr. Stein every six months can prevent oral health issues, such as cavities and periodontal disease from developing. 

Why Are Dental Cleanings and Exams Important?

At our office, we know life is busy and it is hard to take time off for visiting the dentist. However, brushing and flossing your teeth are not enough to protect you from severe health issues. Neglecting your oral health could lead to serious long-term side effects for your oral and overall physical health.

When bacteria buildup is not treated in a timely manner, it can continue to grow and attack your tooth roots and gum line. This process can lead to gingivitis and periodontitis, the main stages of gum disease. Once periodontitis sets in, it can cause your jaw and gums to recede, leading to tooth loss, jawbone deterioration, and other physical concerns. Gum disease has also been linked to serious, lasting conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

Your Professional Cleaning and Exam

During your dental cleaning, our dental hygienist will first perform x-rays for Dr. Stein to review. After your x-rays, we can use a scaler to effectively remove bacteria buildup that you are not able to reach from tooth surfaces and your gum line. Once the plaque and tartar have been removed, we can polish your teeth with a professional-strength toothpaste to minimize any minor dental staining and smooth the surface of your teeth. This process makes it more difficult for bacteria to accumulate in the future.

After your cleaning, Dr. Stein will use state-of-the-art technology to thoroughly examine your teeth and gums for tooth decay and periodontal disease. For any cavities, he can repair your tooth with a tooth-colored filling. If any signs of periodontal disease are detected, he may recommend a deep cleaning, otherwise known as scaling and root planing treatment.

To check for signs and symptoms of oral cancer, Dr. Stein will visually examine your mouth, lips, cheeks, head, and neck for any inflammation and abnormalities. If you use alcohol, tobacco products, are frequently exposed to the sun, or have oral cancer in your family history, he may recommend a special staining test to check for any hidden lesions in the soft tissue of your mouth.

Dr. Stein and our team want to help you keep your smile healthy for many years to come.

Keeping Your Smile Healthy

Following good oral habits are just as important as visiting Dr. Stein twice a year for your dental cleaning and exam. To protect your long-term oral health and maintain healthy teeth and gums, be sure to:

• Brush your teeth daily
• Floss daily
• Rinse with an approved antibacterial mouthwash
• Follow a healthy diet (limiting sugary and starchy foods)

Schedule Your Dental Cleaning Today

Dr. Stein and our team want to help you keep your smile healthy for many years to come. To schedule your dental cleaning, contact our office today.