Routine Hygiene Appointments

What Is a Routine Hygiene Appointment?

A routine hygiene appointment is a dental visit that patients attend at least twice a year to get their teeth cleaned. These appointments are important in maintaining long term oral health and good hygiene practices. In addition to getting their teeth cleaned, patients are checked for gum disease, gingivitis, and other dental issues.

What Happens During a Dental Hygiene Appointment?

Your appointment will start with the dental hygienist removing tartar and plaque from your teeth and gum line. Floss is also used between the teeth for extra coverage. Next, the hygienist will polish your teeth using paste.

X-rays and fluoride treatments are also optional additions to your appointment and may be recommended if the dentist feels they are needed. If the dentist notices any problems during the exam there may be additional services at the end of your appointment or another visit will be scheduled.

Why Are Hygiene Appointments Important?

Dental hygiene appointments are important to schedule and keep as they are your first line of defense. In order to avoid any oral issues in the future it’s critical to prevent them from starting. Preventative dentistry is not only about your visits to the dentist, but your home care and habits. Regularly doing the following will aid in preventing oral problems.

• Brushing
• Flossing
• Using fluoride and mouthwash
• Visiting the dentist
• Having a professional cleaning
• Monitoring your oral issues

What If Something Is Wrong with My Teeth?

During your dental exam, the hygienist or dentist may find that something is wrong with your teeth, gums, or both. In that case, you may need additional procedures to correct the issue. If non-emergent, patients will make another appointment in the near future to have the issue corrected. For emergencies, patients may be able to have any problems corrected the same day.

Without dental hygiene appointments, patients would not have the opportunity to detect and prevent oral issues from starting or getting worse.

How Often Do I Need to See the Dentist?

This answer will differ for each patient but we recommend scheduling appointments at least twice a year. Those two appointments will be for routine cleanings and checkups with your primary dentist.
Patients that experience any sudden tooth pain or have experienced an accident that causes a cosmetic issue can be seen for additional appointments. Those emergency dentistry and cosmetic dentistry appointments will be scheduled on an as needed basis.

How Often Should I Brush and Floss?

Brushing, flossing and using mouthwash should be part of your daily routine at home. The long-term benefits of these simple tasks are very impactful and help keep your teeth clean, strong, and healthy. Your dental hygienist is your best oral care resource and would be happy to answer any questions during your appointment. Home care and dental appointments together will prevent gum disease, cavities, root canals, extractions, and other procedures. This, in turn, will save patients time and money.