Q. Why is oral hygiene important?

A. Aside from being one of the first things people notice about others, the smile is important to the body’s overall health. Maintaining oral hygiene is important because it helps protect the body from disease. By keeping the smile healthy and maintaining regular dental checkups, everyone can keep their bodies healthier.

Q. Is oral care important for children?

A. There is a common misconception that taking care of a child’s baby teeth is not important. After all, they are going to fall out at some point. However, the way that a child’s baby teeth are cared for sets the stage for the future of their oral health. Oral care is important for children to help set them up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Q. What should be included in a dental care routine?

A. Each individual may have some variation in their dental care routine, depending on their smile’s unique needs. In general, however, there are some basic steps that everyone should take to keep their smile healthy. A good dental care routine includes brushing at least twice a day, flossing at least once a day, rinsing with a dentist-approved mouthwash once a day, and maintaining regular dental checkups.

Q. What is a dental checkup?

A. A dental checkup can also be called a dental cleaning, as that is the dental professional’s main focus. During the checkup, the dental professional will check the mouth and teeth to assess their condition and clean the teeth. Cleaning the teeth involves removing the buildup of bacteria from the surface of the teeth to protect them from decay or disease.

Q. How can anyone keep their smile healthy?

A. Having a healthy smile sometimes means making minor life changes. Many times, oral health care concerns start with habits that have negative consequences for the teeth, such as smoking or drinking too much coffee or tea. Small changes, such as quitting smoking or limiting the intake of darker beverages, can help keep the teeth cleaner and healthier. Most importantly, however, to keep the smile healthy everyone should maintain an at-home oral care routine and see their dentist regularly.

Q. Are dental cleanings and deep cleanings different?

A. Yes, dental cleanings and deep cleanings are slightly different, but they are actually very similar. At a dental cleaning, one can expect the dental professional to remove buildup from their teeth and assess their oral health condition. They can expect much of the same at a deep cleaning, except for one difference. During a deep cleaning, the dental professional will also clean the teeth beneath the gum line. This is typically only recommended for those with signs of decay or disease.