Cleanings and Routine Care

A different frequency may be recommended due to your increase of risk. Risk is assessed by reviewing your medications that cause dry mouth, changes in general health conditions, oral hygiene habits, the condition of your mouth, stress, and a large laundry list of other body and systemic conditions that will call for an increase in professional dental care. In some cases it will be recommended that you visit even more frequently such as every 3-4 months due to the type of bacteria you may have, and also if you are at greater risk for oral disease such as cavities, bacteria that causes tissue, bone, and tooth loss.

At a minimum, biannual visits are recommended for professional screening and cleaning. However, in some cases, your dentist may suggest visiting every 3-4 months due to increased needs and a higher risk of poor oral health.
Our team will carefully consider all these factors when determining the ideal frequency of our professional assistance to ensure that your health is being improved and maintained.

Visiting the dentist routinely can be a game-changer for your dental health, helping you maintain that picture-perfect smile. Your dazzling smile awaits!

How often do I need dental X-rays?

Skipping x-rays at the dentist might sound appealing, but they are the cornerstone for diagnosing dental issues. Dental professionals simply cannot accurately diagnose dental diseases without these essential radiographs. X-rays reveal vital information invisible to the naked eye, such as cysts, cavities, infections, tumors, abnormalities, tooth formation, and even bone loss or periodontal disease.

Early diagnosis and treatment are the keys to overcoming dental disease, and x-ray imaging technology makes that possible. At Perfect Smiles, we’re committed to offering you the safest, most advanced imaging options, that’s why we’ve chosen to exclusively use digital radiographs.

Our advanced digital x-rays provide instant feedback with exceptional diagnostic capabilities. Annually, during your maintenance cleaning visits, we take bitewing radiographs (commonly used to diagnose cavities between posterior teeth) to ensure your teeth are in excellent condition. The FDA recommends posterior (back) x-rays and exams every 6-12 months if the teeth are touching, as this increases the risk of cavities.

The radiation exposure from dental imaging is incredibly low, with just about 0.005 mSv (Millisieverts) – comparable to your daily natural environmental exposure. At our office, we use platinum digital sensors, which reduce radiation exposure by a staggering 10x compared to conventional packet film. The average exposure time for one x-ray is a mere 0.12 seconds. Plus, we’ve invested in state-of-the-art digital panoramic and CT scanners to ensure minimal exposure for our patients when these images are needed.

Dental x-rays play a vital role in keeping your smile healthy and radiant. With our commitment to using the latest technology, Perfect Smiles ensures a safer and more efficient imaging experience for our patients.

Why do my gums bleed?

However, if you ignore your bleeding gums, it could lead to a more serious condition known as periodontal disease or gum disease. This condition results in permanent loss of bone around the teeth and can cause inflamed gum tissues that bleed at the slightest touch. The best way to prevent tooth loss associated with periodontal disease is to seek professional dental intervention and commit to more thorough hygiene appointments.

Other factors that can contribute to bleeding gums include hormonal changes during pregnancy, aggressive brushing with hard toothbrushes, ill-fitting dental appliances that rub against and irritate the gum tissue, poor health and diet, as well as certain medications that thin the blood. Regardless of the cause, bleeding gums are a warning sign that something is not right in your mouth and should prompt you to seek out dental intervention.

Don’t let bleeding gums go unchecked. Take action and make an appointment with your dentist to address this issue and maintain a healthy smile.

What causes bad breath?

If so we can help! But, in order to resolve bad breath, we must determine and then eliminate the source of the odor.

Bad breath, also known by its medical name halitosis, is often the result of bacteria in our mouth. Bacteria are all around us. Some bacteria are helpful for our overall health and others may be harmful. Our bodies constantly balance out these good and bad bacteria.

Your first line of defense for treating halitosis is your home dental care routine. This includes properly brushing the teeth and tongue twice a day, ideally with an electric toothbrush, as well as flossing at least once daily.

Some people use mouthwash to try to treat bad breath. While this may temporarily mask the symptoms of halitosis, it doesn’t actually treat the root cause.

Coming in to see us regularly for cleanings and practicing good oral hygiene can directly address the bacteria that colonize our mouth. Our dental professionals focus on removing the tenacious plaque that forms highly durable communities in the crevices between teeth and within the valleys of the tongue.

If the tenacious plaque remains undisturbed because you haven’t had regular dental care, it can even cause permanent damage to the bone that the teeth are anchored in. This destruction of bone around the teeth is an infection known as periodontal disease or gum disease. One symptom of periodontal disease is bad breath. Thus, treating this infection could help eradicate the odor. The first step is having one of our hygienists and dentists take radiographs, perform an oral examination and check the health of your teeth and gums. From there, a specific hygiene visit will be recommended based on your oral health condition. If need be, antibiotics and antibacterial rinses may be incorporated in your treatment for optimal results.

It’s possible that your dental health is not the source of the bad breath. For some people, acid reflux or diet may be to blame. If we determine that your bad breath comes from a medical issue, we can refer you to a medical doctor for further screenings.

Remember, the first step to combating bad breath is by having regular dental hygiene appointments and practicing daily dental care at home. If you have not been to the dentist in a while, coming in to see us is a great place to start! We’d be happy to provide you with a comfortable and thorough dental assessment.

Fight Bacteria With Orthodontics & Dental Restorations

• Orthodontic treatment eliminates gaps and other places bacteria can hide. It’s also easier to brush and floss straight teeth.
• In addition to making it easier for you to eat healthier foods, replacing missing teeth with dental implants or fixed bridges keeps food debris from collecting in places where bacteria can feed on it.
• Repairing a broken or cracked tooth with a dental crown keeps bacteria from getting inside your tooth, where it can cause an infection that can spread elsewhere in your body.

Call or text us at 833-205-4048