October is National Dental Hygiene Month!
Dr. Cavallo and his team at Woodbridge VA Dentistry work hard to make sure that our patients practice good dental hygiene on a regular basis.
By developing a daily oral care routine, you can prevent other issues that may affect your overall health. Many people are not aware that poor oral hygiene can lead to a number of medical issues such as gum disease, infections, bone loss, heart disease, strokes, and oral cancer. In addition to practicing good oral hygiene, you should see a dentist every six months. Routine check-ups are key to maintaining good oral health.
Dr. Cavallo wants to make your visits comfortable and pleasant. He will advise you every step of the way.
What Happens at a Routine Check-up?
Before the first appointment, Dr. Cavallo will need your complete medical history. He will also need to know of any prescribed medications you are taking. He needs to be aware of any health concerns in order to avoid the incident and make sure you are receiving the best care possible.
Teeth Cleaning
At your appointment, you will receive a thorough tooth cleaning. This is usually done by the dental hygienist and involves:
- Scraping off built-up plaque and tartar above and below the gum line.
- Flossing between and around every tooth to remove any plaque or food articles.
- Teeth polishing to get rid of any additional residue that may have been missed.
Examination
Next, Dr. Cavallo will examine your teeth to see if there are any problem areas in your mouth such as swelling of gums, mouth sores, and redness. He will also measure your mouth’s periodontal pockets to make sure there are no signs of gum disease.
Dental X-Rays
X-Rays of your mouth will be taken to determine if there are any issues below the mouth’s surface. X-rays show what the natural eye cannot see. Dr. Cavallo will be able to see the roots below the gum line, and your jawbone. This will help to determine if there are any other issues.
Once the exam is completed, Dr. Cavallo will advise you of any issues and the next steps to take to improve or maintain good dental hygiene and oral health.
Tips for Practicing Good Dental Hygiene:
- Brush and floss your teeth twice a day.
- Use toothpaste with fluoride.
- Limit alcohol use.
- Avoid tobacco products.
- Monitor your diet and sugar intake.
- Get routine check-ups every month.
