General Exam & Cleaning Specialist

What is a general exam?

When you come in for a routine visit, the team at Goldstein & Freud, DDS, PLLC, performs a comprehensive general exam. This part of the visit involves evaluating your dental hygiene and the overall health of your teeth and gums. 

Your dentist uses a small mirror to look inside your mouth and check for any early signs of oral health problems. Depending on what they find, you may need to have some imaging tests done to get a better look. 

What is a teeth cleaning? 

Another part of your routine visit is your teeth cleaning. No matter how well you brush and floss at home, you will still miss some bacteria. A professional teeth cleaning at the office helps keep your teeth healthy and strong, your breath smelling fresh, and your smile looking its best. 

A teeth cleaning begins with your dentist using special dental instruments to thoroughly clean your teeth, removing harmful plaque that forms around your gum line. 

Once they’ve scraped away the plaque, your dentist uses a high-powered brush and polishing toothpaste to clean your teeth. After the brushing, they perform an expert flossing and provide fluoride treatment to strengthen your teeth between office visits. 

Why is dental hygiene important? 

Your dental hygiene is very closely linked to your overall health. Studies have shown that oral health issues, periodontal disease, and tooth decay, in particular, can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. 

If your dental hygiene is an issue and it’s causing symptoms of periodontal disease, the team at Goldstein & Freud, DDS, PLLC, offers special deep cleanings, or scaling and root planing. 

Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure that helps reverse the effects of periodontal disease. It’s typically not part of your routine visit, but if your dental hygiene is a serious issue, you may need to come in for several deep cleaning sessions. 

How often do I need to come in for a general exam and cleaning? 

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends coming in twice annually for a routine visit involving a general exam and cleaning. If your dental hygiene isn’t where it needs to be, your dentist may recommend coming in more frequently.

You and your dentist work closely together to develop a personalized preventive care plan that’s tailored to you. To schedule your next visit, call the office or book an appointment online today.