Bryn Mawr
Many people put off going to the dentist until they are in pain, but having regular teeth cleanings and exams is one of the best things you can do for your teeth. Seeing your dentist regularly for exams and professional teeth cleanings helps prevent more serious (and painful!) problems from occurring. And if you do have decay or disease, catching those problems early allows you to get treatment before they become worse. Here’s why you should visit Dr. Shoumer’s Bryn Mawr office every six months for teeth cleanings and exams.
Your mouth serves as an indicator of your overall health. That’s because systemic diseases can often be detected in your teeth, tongue, and gums. Coming in for regular teeth cleanings and exams allows us to keep a watchful eye on your health and alert you to any problems we see.
During your appointment, we’ll talk to you about any problems you’re experiencing and check for signs of cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. We’ll also screen you for oral cancer. If you have any problems that need to be addressed before we can clean your teeth, we’ll discuss this with you and come up with a plan.
Having regular teeth cleanings helps prevent decay and disease. While brushing and flossing at home is important, your dentist has tools that can clean your teeth more thoroughly than you’re able to do at home. That’s important because once tartar builds up on your teeth, you won’t be able to remove it without a professional cleaning. And the longer tartar stays on your teeth, the more likely you are to experience cavities, tooth decay, and gingivitis, or you may need more serious intervention, like root canals or extractions.
Furthermore, teeth cleanings don’t just prevent problems with your oral health. They can help keep your entire body healthier! For example, did you know that bacteria from your mouth can travel through your bloodstream and impact other areas of your body, like your heart and brain? Gingivitis and periodontitis are also linked to pneumonia, cardiovascular disease, endocarditis, stroke, and even problems with pregnancy, like low birth weight and preterm labor. The health of your mouth impacts the health of your whole body, so be sure to schedule regular teeth cleanings in our Bryn Mawr office.
Sometimes, people put off making an appointment because they’re afraid that a teeth cleaning will hurt. Rest assured that if your teeth are in poor condition and need to have work done before they can be cleaned, we will discuss that with you. However, it’s important to get your oral health back on track. Remember, the best way to achieve lifelong oral health is by scheduling teeth cleanings and exams in our Bryn Mawr office every six months.
Plan for your appointment to take about an hour. We’ll review your current health, look for any problems, and possibly take X-rays of your teeth. Then, we’ll clean your teeth with special tools that are capable of scraping away tartar. We’ll also use an electric brush to thoroughly brush and polish your teeth. And we’ll floss between your teeth to make sure no plaque or tartar has been left behind. Finally, we’ll give you advice on maintaining your oral health between cleanings.
Overdue for your teeth cleaning and exam? Call today for an appointment in our Bryn Mawr office. You’ll be taking an important step for your overall health, and you’ll leave with a fresh, clean smile that you can be proud of!
