Daily brushing and flossing are essential to keep your teeth healthy and strong. However, regular check-ups and cleanings by our family dentists in Lake Forest are just as important. At Lake Forest Smiles, dental cleanings are preventive measures that we recommend for all patients. Find out what this appointment includes and how it benefits your oral health.
WHY DENTAL CLEANINGS AND CHECK-UPS ARE NECESSARY
One of our experienced and courteous dental hygienists completes each dental cleaning.
The benefits of these visits include:
- Removes tartar and plaque
- Removes surface stains and discoloration
- Freshens your breath
- Reduces the risk of tooth decay and gum disease
A dental cleaning completely removes plaque and tartar from your teeth. These two substances could threaten your oral health. Dental plaque is a sticky, colorless biofilm that adheres to your teeth as a result of eating and drinking. Naturally occurring oral bacteria feed off plaque and then secrete acids, which erode dental enamel and increase the risk of cavities and gum disease. If not removed by proper brushing and flossing, plaque hardens and becomes tartar, which leads to cavities and gum disease. Everyone gets tartar buildup, but the buildup occurs at a faster rate if you have poor oral hygiene, and never receive professional dental cleanings. No amount of brushing and flossing at home can remove tartar. This is why six-month dental cleanings and check-ups are necessary to maintain good oral health.
HERE IS WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A DENTAL CLEANING
A dental hygienist cleans your teeth using a scaling instrument to remove tartar buildup. Next, your teeth are polished with a mildly abrasive paste tough enough to remove surface stains, although it will not harm your teeth. Next, the hygienist will floss your teeth, notating any oral health changes in your chart. We recommend dental x-rays at least once a year to get a full view of your oral health, including between your teeth and below the gum line.
Lake Forest Smiles offers professional dental cleanings and routine check-ups for children and adults at our Lake Forest general dentist office. For children, oral hygiene education is a key component of the process. The hygienist will instruct your child on proper brushing and flossing techniques. Parents of young children should encourage their children to practice good oral hygiene habits at home.
The American Dental Association advises that each person receive a check-up and dental cleaning once every six months. If you suffer from gum disease, you may need dental cleanings more often to maintain good oral health.
THE COST OF DENTAL CLEANINGS
It is common for dental insurance plans to cover preventive care with little to no out-of-pocket expense for patients. However, we recommend that you contact your provider to verify coverage. The staff at Lake Forest Smiles also can file insurance claims on your behalf. For any outstanding balance, we accept payment in the forms of cash, check, and major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. We also offer special financing through CareCredit and LendingClub (formerly Springstone Financial), as well as in-house financing. Contact our office to see if you qualify for these special financing offers.
DENTAL CARE IN LAKE FOREST, LAKE BLUFF, AND LINCOLNSHIRE
Professional dental cleanings and proper oral hygiene habits mean a lifetime of good oral health. Whether you are looking for a new dentist, or want to take ownership of your dental health, start by scheduling an appointment with our office. At Lake Forest Smiles, we believe that a healthy mouth means a healthy life. To schedule a consultation, please call our office (847) 234-4800 or contact us online. Drs. David Schmidt and Tracey Hughes have been providing elite dental care to the communities of Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and Lincolnshire for more than 30 years. We welcome you to our practice.