Dental Exams & Teeth Cleaning in Owings Mills

How Often Should I Have a Dental Exam?

The American Dental Association recommends that you have a dental check-up every six months. This way, your dentist catches decay, gingivitis or any other problem while they are small and easily treated. If you already have dental issues or you are at risk for decay or gum disease, your dentist may suggest that you come in more often. During your dental exam, our dentist will check for:

• Decay
• Loose fillings or crowns
• Poorly fitting dentures
• Oral cancer
• Gum disease
• Signs you grind your teeth

You may also have x-rays taken if necessary. We like to develop long-term relationships with our patients; this allows us to tailor your exam to meet your specific needs and address your most pressing concerns. If you need a preventative dental exam in Owings Mills, contact our office to make your appointment.

Who Has Familiarity with Dental Cleanings and Gum Disease Treatment?

Our dental office is familiar with both treatments. We offer professional teeth cleaning treatments, which we recommend that you schedule along with your dental exam. Your dentist or hygienist will scrape the plaque off your teeth and then polish your teeth with a mildly abrasive paste. This will brighten your teeth, remove surface stains and leave your teeth feeling smooth. Once done with the polishing, he or she will professionally floss your teeth. We may suggest a fluoride treatment to protect your teeth; it only takes a minute or two. Expect your cleaning to take 30 to 60 minutes depending on how much plaque and tartar is on your teeth. Your hygienist will also go over his or her recommendations for improving your oral hygiene routine to make it more effective.

If you have gingivitis, which is gum inflammation, a dental cleaning may reverse the disease if you maintain a good oral health regimen at home. Gingivitis may lead to periodontal disease, which is a more advanced form of gum disease. Untreated periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss as the bacteria damages the bone and tissue that supports the tooth. Call us for an appointment if you need periodontal treatment.

Can Dentists Cure Bad Breath?

If you have halitosis, which is persistent bad breath, in most cases a dentist can find the reason and help you eliminate the embarrassing problem. Don’t be embarrassed about asking for help; up to a quarter of Americans suffer from halitosis. Poor oral hygiene is the most common reason for bad breath. Your dentist can recommend a dental cleaning and products to use at home to help you get back on track. Untreated decay and gum disease can also cause bad breath, and your dentist will check for these as well. Call our office to arrange an appointment. Our dentist will find the reason for your bad breath and offer a permanent remedy.

Who Needs a Screening for Mouth Cancer?

A quick, three-minute oral cancer screening can save your life by allowing you to begin treatment early, when it is most effective. While older persons, especially men, have higher rates of oral cancer, it can strike any adult. Smoking and excessive alcohol use are lifestyle choices that increase your risk of contracting mouth cancer, but many of the individuals diagnosed with oral cancer have no lifestyle risk factors. Screenings are painless; your dentist looks in your mouth and feels for lumps during your dental check-up. Catching the disease and starting treatment while the cancer is in an early stage increases your chance of being cured.

If you haven’t had a mouth cancer screening or a dental check-up in a year or more, phone our office to make an appointment for a dental exam in Owings Mills.