Routine Dental Care, Gresham, OR
Routine dental care is essential to keeping the smile healthy. Consistently practicing good oral hygiene helps reduce the overall risk of disease. From home care to routine dental checkups to appointments with a specialist, routine dental care may vary over time.
To speak with a dentist to learn more about what your routine dental care should look like in Gresham call our office at (503) 661-2828.
The Importance of Routine Dental Care Important
Good oral health is crucial to good bodily health. Without routine dental care, the mouth becomes susceptible to decay and gum disease, which, in addition to tooth loss, may cause adverse effects elsewhere in the body.
Once underneath the gums, bacteria have access to the bloodstream. This gives them access to the rest of the body. Routine dental care substantially lowers the risk of this happening. Keeping the mouth and body healthy makes a balanced life possible.
Keeping the mouth and body healthy makes a balanced life possible.
Routine Dental Checkups
Checkups are usually recommended every six months. Patients should make the dental team aware of any dental concerns, fears, or anxieties they may have to ensure steps are taken to make the checkup as comfortable as possible. The dentist may need to be visited more frequently depending on the state of a patient’s oral health.
During a checkup, a dental professional will clean and polish the teeth, and give home oral care recommendations. The dental professional will also check the mouth for decay and disease, possibly with the aid of dental X-rays. If someone is not a new patient, has not skipped any regular appointments, and has good oral health, they may not need to see the dentist during the appointment.
Patients should make the dental team aware of any dental concerns, fears, or anxieties they may have to ensure steps are taken to make the checkup as comfortable as possible.
At-home Oral Hygiene Care
To maintain good oral health between dental checkups, an at-home oral hygiene routine is essential. Here is a list of recommended steps this routine should include:
- Brushing twice a day with a dentist-recommended toothbrush
- Flossing once a day
- Using a fluoride mouthwash
This is not necessarily an exhaustive list, and the dentist may recommend additional steps depending on your oral health situation. If a patient is unsure about what oral hygiene products to use at home, they should ask our dental team for recommendations.
To maintain good oral health between dental checkups an at-home oral hygiene routine is essential.
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Dental Care for Unique Smile Needs
In some cases, additional care that goes beyond regular dental checkups and routine brushing and flossing may be necessary. Our dental team will discuss these needs and provide guidance.
Scaling and Root Planing
The dentist may recommend scaling and root planing to treat gingivitis and other forms of gum disease. While this procedure is similar to the scaling the hygienist performs on teeth during a regular checkup, the focus is not only on the surface of the teeth around the gums but also underneath the gums. Scaling and root planing goes beneath the gumline to remove buildup. In some cases, a patient may be referred to another dental professional for this procedure.
Smile Makeovers
If a patient has crooked teeth, gaps between the teeth, or other aesthetic concerns, these can be treated with cosmetic dentistry procedures. In some cases, smile imperfections that seem like only cosmetic issues have implications for oral health as well. Always speak with our dentist about any concerns. They will provide further guidance and, if necessary, help with a referral to another health professional.
In some cases, additional care that goes beyond regular dental checkups and routine brushing and flossing may be necessary.
Questions Answered on This Page
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Frequently Asked Questions
Quality Dental Services Can Transform Your Smile
By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.
Dental Terminology
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry is generally used to refer to any dental work that improves the appearance (though not necessarily the function) of a person’s teeth, gums and/or bite.
Decay
Tooth decay is when the enamel of the tooth begins to decay and cause erosion from plaque and tartar on the teeth.
Dental Caries
Dental caries are also known as cavities and result from a lack of proper oral hygiene leaving plaque that forms tiny holes in the teeth.
Dental Checkup
A dental checkup is an appointment that involves cleaning the teeth, identifying any signs of infection and removing said signs of infection at least once every six months in the office.
Dental Filling
A dental filling involves restoring the structure of the tooth by using metal, alloy, porcelain or plastic to fill the tooth.
Dental Prophylaxis
A dental prophylaxis is a professional and detailed cleaning that involves the removal of plaque, calculus and stains from the teeth.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants contain a resinous material that we apply to the chewing surfaces of the posterior teeth to prevent dental caries.
Dentist
A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the inflammation of gum tissue that results from plaque, other infections in the mouth and poor oral hygiene.
Tartar
Tartar forms when plaque builds up on the surface of the teeth and calcifies into a hard surface that is much more difficult to remove and will require professional treatment.
Tooth Enamel
Tooth enamel is the protective visible outer surface of a tooth that contains the dentin and dental pulp.
Call Us Today
Dental services can vary, and each practice has its own approach to technology and patient care. Every general dentist can offer routine checkups and cleanings. If you need specialized care, look for a practice that offers specialized services and advanced techniques. If you are searching for a new dental provider, let Gresham Advanced Dentistry in Gresham deliver the care you need. Call us at (503) 661-2828 to learn more about our services and policies.
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Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2022
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2022
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2022
About our business and website security
- Gresham Advanced Dentistry was established in 2005.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Multnomah County, Clackamas County, and East County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview, Portland, Damascus, Happy Valley, Sandy, Wood Village, Boring, Clackamas, Corbett, Sandy, Eagle Creek, and Estacada
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