Looking for a dentist in Seattle Washington, but don't know if or when it's time to go? With life happening literally every second of the day, it's easy to lose track of your dentist trips. Two years and a few cavities can fly by before you even know it.
This is why it's best to learn when to book your next dentist appointment and how to keep track of them.
If this sounds like the solution to your dentist in Seattle WA problem, all you need to do is keep reading. All the information you need is below.
When to Schedule a Cleaning
Believe it or not, around 100 million Americans do not visit their dentist for an annual cleaning. A lot of factors go into this statistic, but that's a lot of people who do not prioritize their hygiene. Sadly for them. brushing can not sustain anyone's teeth forever.
In fact, it is recommended that a person visit the dentist for a cleaning at least two times a year. This can get done anytime you choose, but every six months is the best routine to stick to. If you have any tooth problems before this time, do not wait until your next cleaning.
Chips, cracks, pain, etc.) should all get examined as soon as possible. Oral health is very important. The longer you wait to fix these issues, the worse they will become. YOu should note that a trip to the dentist will take at least an hour.
If you have work, school, or any other plans, it is best to cancel or schedule around them.
What to Expect at Your Dentist in Seattle WA
If you don't remember the last time you went to the dentist or you've never been at all, you may be a little scared of the cleaning process. This is totally normal and nothing to be ashamed of. Your teeth are a very personal part of your appearance.
But do not worry, getting a dental cleaning is completely safe and honestly a very simple process. It'll be over before you know it.
Plaque/Tartar Removal
After your dental hygenist has prepped you with a protective cloth, they will begin using a few of their tools to scrape any built-up plaque or tartar off each tooth. The more time between your cleanings, the more these substances build up. If it's been a while for you, this process may take a little longer than normal.
This may seem tedious, but rest assured your teeth will thank you later. Once they finish this, they will polish your teeth, rinse you off, and move on to their next task.
X-rays
At least once a year, your teeth will get x-rayed at the dentist. This is done to check for any invisible issues in your mouth. Usually, problems caught before they're visible take less work to fix.
This is because they are more than likely to be caught when they are just beginning.
The X-ray process takes very little time to complete and causes no pain at all. If you feel uncomfortable during this process, tell your doctor and they can readjust or give you a break between x-rays.
Dental Exam
Once your hygienist finishes your teeth, a dentist will get called into the room to look at your teeth. During this step, your dentist will look for cavities, cracks, and any other issues. If they find a problem, they will take note of it and come up with a plan to fix it.
They will run their idea by you and tell you how to schedule a non-routine appointment if needed.
After this, you've completed your trip to the dentist. Your hygienist may have a few rules for you after your visit, such as waiting a certain amount of time to eat or brushing advice. If you receive any additional information, write it down or make it a habit to remember it; chances are it's important.
Tooth Maintenance
After visiting your Seattle dentist, you still need to keep up with a dental care routine. If you don't, all your dental hygienist's hard work won't last as long as it could. In other words, your teeth will go right back to the way they were before.
Brush
Everyone knows they should brush their teeth, but a lot of people still do this wrong. Either they don't brush as often as they should or they don't brush long enough. Either way, inadequate brushing can become very damaging for your teeth.
Professionals recommend you brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Both times you do this, aim for at least two minutes of constant brushing. This will give you plenty of time to deep clean all the important parts.
Floss
If you don't floss, your dentist probably told you to during your last visit, and they weren't lying. Flossing removes the pieces of food, plaque, or bacteria that build up between your teeth during the day. This helps with gum health and prevents common tooth issues such as cavities.
When you floss, use about 18 inches of floss and go in between each tooth. This ensures each tooth is grime-free and ready to face the day.
Mouthwash
Rounding your dental care routine off with a swish of mouthwash is a great way to boost your hygiene. Mouthwash will kill any lingering bacteria in your mouth and keep your breath smelling extra minty after each brush. If you want to get a more in-depth rinse with your mouthwash, you can always use a dental pick.
It is designed to give you a more close-up and personal clean in your entire mouth.
Schedule a Dental Cleaning
Now that you know the ins and outs of the annual dental clean, it is time for you to schedule one for yourself. Seriously, you and your teeth deserve a little pampering. If you're new to Seattle or are looking for a new dentist in Seattle WA., check out Seattle Specialty Dentistry.
We pride ourselves on having the best density technology possible and are more than happy to give you whatever dental help you require. All you need to do is visit our website to learn more about our practice and schedule an appointment.
