Dental Hygiene / Exams

Keeping up with your dental health may seem overwhelming at times. Many people find it difficult to maintain a consistent routine. Unfortunately, when people fall behind, they often develop severe dental issues that could have been prevented with timely care.

At Elite Smiles Dental, we believe everyone should have a bright, healthy smile. Because of this, we are committed to working with you to ensure you have the time and resources to get the dental care you deserve.

How Often Should I Come in?

We recommend patients come in twice a year for a routine cleaning and exam. Dental illnesses can develop quickly. Seeing our patients two times every year allows us to check for signs of oral health problems. If we can spot a potential issue early, we may be able to prevent it from developing into something painful and costly.

Regular visits also help us keep your mouth clean. Over time, plaque, tartar, and bacteria can build up on the surface of your teeth. Depending on the severity, these things can lead to serious health problems such as tooth decay and gingivitis. Allowing one of our skilled hygienists to clean away this debris twice a year will help prevent these issues from developing.

What Do You Check for During an Exam?

We love exams! Routine examinations allow our doctors to closely examine your mouth and check for signs of problems. Tooth decay, gum recession, and oral cancer are all health issues that can cause long-term damage. If left untreated, oral cancer may even lead to death.

Thankfully, these problems are almost always treatable when they are caught early! During your exam, our team will closely examine your mouth, gums, teeth, jaw, face, neck, and oral tissues. If something looks strange or suspicious, our doctors will discuss your options and will recommend the best treatment available to match your needs and preferences.

What Should I Do to Stay Healthy?

Maintaining a daily hygiene schedule is one of the best ways to stay healthy and prevent dental disease! To do this, our doctors recommend brushing your teeth at least twice daily. Floss every day and use dental products – such as toothpaste and mouthwash – which contain fluoride.

Although often overlooked, diet also plays an important role in your overall oral health. Eating a balanced diet and avoiding too many between-meal snacks will help reduce the number of bacteria and food particles in your mouth and will lower your risk of developing cavities. Our doctors also recommend limiting your intake of coffee, wine, and other dark-colored or acidic foods and drinks when possible.

When Should I Go to the Dentist?

We recommend coming to visit us at least twice a year for a routine cleaning and exam. However, our doctors may recommend more frequent visits if necessary.

Unfortunately, life doesn’t always follow the schedule we would like it to. Outside of your normal routine, there are several issues and illnesses to keep an eye out for. If you experience any of these things, please call us right away to schedule an appointment.

Some things to look out for include:

· Redness, swelling, and inflammation
· Discoloration on gums and mouth tissue
· Cracked or chipped teeth
· Bad breath which does not go away
· Irregular pain or soreness in the mouth, face, jaw, or neck

If you would like to learn more about cleanings and exams, maintaining your oral health, or if you are concerned about your oral health, please call our office at 812-232-6654. We would be happy to answer any of your questions or schedule a consultation.