Dental Hygiene & Maintenance

Prevention today is easier than correction tomorrow.

Why routine dental visits matter

Preventative dental care is the foundation of dentistry. The American Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist regularly—around twice a year. Professional cleanings help remove built-up plaque that is not removable with conventional brushing and flossing. Often, dentists are also capable of identifying potential problems that patients are not yet able to see or feel. When you maintain regular preventative appointments, you can minimize decay and gum disease, as well as identify the beginnings of oral health issues before they become severe.

What happens during a dental cleaning and check-up?

During a routine cleaning, a dental hygienist will remove any plaque that has accumulated on your teeth with a special scaling tool.

They will then brush and floss your teeth thoroughly and apply a concentrated fluoride treatment. Finally, the teeth are polished.

Afterward, Dr. Vartanian will perform a meticulous examination to check for any signs of gum disease or tooth decay. X-rays are performed and examined by Dr. Vartanian to scan for cavities or dental erosion. This is also the time when the patient can ask Dr. Vartanian questions, or bring up any oral issues they are experiencing.

After your visit

Maintaining healthy habits at home is the best way to ensure a long and healthy life for your teeth. Teeth should be brushed after meals or at least twice per day, and flossed each night before bed. If you grind your teeth at night, it is important to use your night guard to allay wear and tear.

Good dental health often means good overall health

Daily brushing and flossing is a great first defense against bacteria. The mouth is the entry point to the digestive and respiratory systems, which can suffer from infection due to bacteria that enters the body through the mouth. There are a variety of illnesses that are directly linked to oral health, listed below:

Endocarditis

Infection of the inner lining of the heart’s chambers occurs when bacteria from other parts of the body spread to your bloodstream and root in the heart.

Cardiovascular disease

Clogged arteries and risk of stroke are thought to be linked to infections that oral bacteria can cause.

Pneumonia

Some bacteria can travel from your mouth to your lungs, causing pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses.

Certain illnesses affect oral health

The mouth is often a litmus test for the rest of the body. There are certain ailments that impact oral health. Dr. Vartanian can often spot early signs of trouble, allowing for preventative care.

Diabetes

Gum disease is more frequent in people who have diabetes, because high blood sugar levels also mean high levels of sugar in the saliva. This additional sugar can lead to increased tooth decay, gum disease, and cavities.

Dementia

Early studies show a link between high levels of bacteria due to poor oral hygiene and an increased risk of dementia.

Osteoporosis

Loss of bone density can result in a weakened jawbone and an increased risk of tooth loss and loosened teeth.