Brushing and flossing well can lower your risk of tooth decay, gum disease and other oral health problems, but bacteria in hard-to-reach areas and stubborn stains need the help of professionals.
When you visit the dentist for your routine check-up, they’ll also offer dental hygiene treatments to help keep your teeth as white and healthy as possible. Find out what to expect on your visit, or book a check-up and clean appointment with our dentists in Everton Park or Mitchelton.
Oral health assessment
Before cleaning and polishing your teeth, your dentist will check their health by examining your mouth and looking for any warning signs of possible problems. They may also take an x-ray to get a clearer look at your teeth roots below the gums and your jaw, and ask whether you have any concerns or possible symptoms of an oral health issue.
If your dentist identifies a problem, they’ll discuss your treatment options and schedule a follow-up appointment.
Teeth cleaning and scaling
Good daily brushing and flossing can remove most plaque from your teeth, but some bacteria can still build up over time and harden into calculus (tartar). This can only be removed by dental professionals using the right tools to carefully scrape away calculus build-up without damaging your teeth.
If you have sensitive teeth or gums, you should let your dentist know so they can take special care not to cause discomfort when cleaning and scaling your teeth.
Teeth polishing
After plaque has been removed, your dentist or hygienist can polish the surfaces of your teeth to remove light stains, such as those left by food and drinks. At Swish Dental, we use the gentle Airflow® system that uses powder, water and pressurised air to reduce physical contact with the teeth. This can help to make the teeth polishing process more comfortable, especially for people with sensitive teeth.
Teeth polishing can help to restore teeth to their natural shade, but it doesn’t whiten teeth and isn’t effective at removing deeper stains, which may need a cosmetic dentistry treatment.
Fluoride treatment
As part of preventive care, fluoride may also be added to your teeth in the form of a foam or gel. Fluoride is a naturally-occurring substance that’s proven to help strengthen enamel against plaque, helping to prevent tooth decay. Dental professionals are qualified to apply fluoride at safe concentrations that won’t cause any adverse effects.
Oral health advice
After your dentist has examined your teeth, they’ll also be able to give you expert advice or recommendations about ways you can improve your oral hygiene and lower your risks. This could involve demonstrating correct brushing and flossing techniques, dietary tips, or suggesting dental products for you or your family to try.
How often should I visit the dentist?
It’s generally recommended that you see a dentist for a check-up and clean every 6 months, or twice a year. This improves the chances of any problems being spotted and treated before they become serious and can help keep your teeth healthy and free from plaque.
If you’re overdue for a check-up and clean, or you want to talk to a dentist about anything, contact your local Swish Dental clinic in Brisbane to book an appointment today. You can call us in Everton Park on (07) 3355 1422 or Mitchelton on (07) 3354 3341, or you can book online.