Why Are Routine Dental Cleanings with Merrimack Smiles Important?
Routine dental cleanings are important because they are designed for prevention- meaning their purpose is to keep gum disease and tooth decay from developing. While daily brushing and flossing at home are essential for maintaining good oral hygiene, they may not be enough to remove all the bacteria that accumulate in hard-to-reach areas of your mouth.
We proudly provide care to families in Merrimack, NH, and surrounding communities.
How often do I need a routine dental cleaning?
How often you need a routine dental cleaning often depends on age, home care, and factors unique to every patient. For adults and children with a healthy mouth and excellent home care, our doctors typically recommend a cleaning every six (6) months. If you are more prone to dental issues or show early signs of gum disease, our doctors may recommend more frequent visits to remove bacteria and monitor your condition, preventing further issues. If you wear full dentures, it’s essential to see our team at least once a year so we can evaluate the condition of your denture as well as the health of your gum tissue and jawbone.
Routine cleanings are crucial for children and teenagers because their teeth and gums are still developing. Oral health concerns like cavities or trauma can affect the alignment, structure, and health of their permanent teeth.
Hormonal changes (such as pregnancy) weakened immune systems due to chronic illness, or medications that suppress immunity can also increase the risk of gum disease. In these cases, more frequent cleanings help monitor and protect your dental health.
What happens during my routine dental cleaning visit?
- Medical History Review: We review your medications, health conditions, and allergies to understand how they relate to your dental and overall health.
- Discuss Your Concerns and Questions: We encourage you to share any questions or concerns about your dental health and smile.
- Take Vital Signs: We monitor your vital signs, like blood pressure, and discuss any changes that could indicate a health concern.
- Update X-rays: X-rays help us evaluate your jawbone and tooth structures below the gumline.
- Update Photographs: We capture updated images of your mouth to monitor any changes over time.
- Disease Screening: We examine your face, neck, and oral tissues for any unusual areas that may indicate a health issue, such as cancer.
- Periodontal Charting: We measure the depth of your gum tissue where it attaches to your teeth.
- Professional Teeth Cleaning: Our hygienist uses specialized tools to remove plaque and bacteria from above the gumline.
- Periodontal Evaluation: We examine your gums for signs of gum disease, including inflammation, bleeding, and bad breath.
- Oral Cavity Evaluation: We check your teeth for signs of decay, damage, or other conditions that could impact your dental health.
- Doctors’ Evaluation: After reviewing your diagnostic information and historical records, our doctors will discuss their findings and answer your questions.
- Oral Care Recommendations: We review your home care routine and recommend ways to maintain a healthy mouth between visits.
Why Choose Merrimack Smiles?
At Merrimack Smiles, Doctors Mark S. Morris, Julia F. Kapala, and Catherine G. Cagino aim to change how patients view dentistry. They focus on providing proactive preventative family dental care, striving to eliminate unexpected worries and improve health to enhance the everyday lives of our patients.
By empowering our patients through education and helping them understand their dental health and options, we ensure our patients feel informed and confident in the decisions they make regarding their care. At Merrimack Smiles, we treat more than just teeth; we care for people, creating an environment where you feel heard, respected, and valued.
As the only B Corp-certified dental office in Northern New England, we dedicate ourselves to the health and betterment of our community. We conduct business with a focus on people and place, implementing best practices in governance and sustainability to create positive impacts that extend beyond our practice’s doors.
At Merrimack Smiles, we do things differently. Experience the difference. Come smile with us!
