What Is General Dentistry?
General dentistry is the primary care of your mouth, teeth, and gums. A general dentistry practice can diagnose and treat oral health care concerns, including gingivitis prevention from our gum specialists, restorative dentistry like cavity fillings and root canals, teeth cleaning, and cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as crowns, bridges, and veneers.
A general dentist also helps patients with preventative care, such as education and regular check-ups. A general dentist will have either a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. However, some dentists will also have specialty degrees, such as in orthodontics. General dentists also provide emergency dental care if you chip a tooth or have an accident that needs immediate attention.
The Importance of Regular Oral Hygiene
Most DMD and DDS dentists recommend a check-up and dentist tooth cleaning every six months. Having your teeth cleaned professionally helps reduce tartar buildup and ensures you have a bright, healthy smile. Professional teeth cleaning removes plaque and tartar from the teeth and the gum line, creating an environment that reduces the amount of plaque and tartar buildup.
What Can I Expect With Dental Teeth Cleaning?
Many individuals get nervous when visiting the dentist, but understanding the process can help reduce the nervousness that many people feel.
First, the dental hygienist will use a thin metal scraper to manually remove the plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth. Some dentists may use a small ultrasound device that uses vibrations to remove the plaque instead. Next, the dentist or hygienist will floss in between your teeth.
Finally, an abrasive paste will be applied to the surface of your teeth. This makes your teeth smooth and shiny, and the newly slick surface will make it more difficult for plaque and tartar to adhere to the surface of your teeth.
Keeping Your Teeth Healthy at Home
The best way to keep the fresh, white smile from your dentist’s cleaning is to brush and floss twice a day. When you brush, make sure to use small circles and get right up to the gumline. Brush for a full two minutes – set a timer if you need to. Don’t forget to floss, either — flossing helps clean in between teeth and remove food particles, plaque, and tartar that your toothbrush can’t reach.
Be careful when brushing, however. Over-aggressive brushing can actually damage the tooth enamel. Plus, if you brush within 30 minutes of eating, you may further damage the enamel, as it’s weaker right after eating. Consider limiting your consumption of sugar and acidic foods to reduce your risk of cavities.
Book Your Dental Hygiene Cleaning Today!
When you’re looking for a dentist for cleaning teeth, look no further than Dental Beauty in Bucks County. We take care of both adult and child patients and can give you and your family the proper oral care you need. Contact us today to schedule your appointment. We can’t wait to make you smile!