Dental Hygiene In Thousand Oaks, CA

Dental hygiene is the practice of caring for your teeth and gums. In addition to regular brushing and flossing, good dental hygiene also includes regular cleanings and exams performed at the dentist's office. We recommend all individuals schedule a dental cleaning and exam every six months. Those with signs of gingivitis or gum disease may need more frequent visits.

Why Do I Need a Dental Checkup?

It's important that patients see their dentist on a regular basis. Many people have a hard time keeping up with their bi-annual appointments. Unfortunately, this puts them at a higher risk of oral health problems.

A few examples of dental problems that we diagnose and treat during dental checkups include:

• Gum disease
• Cavities
• Oral cancer
• Tooth decay
• Bone loss

With regular checkups, the dentist can make sure your oral health is on track. If a concern is found, the dentist is able to treat it right away.

What Causes Cavities?

Cavities are the most common oral health problem. You can develop tooth decay if you consume too many sugary foods and beverages or if you don't practice good oral hygiene habits. A cavity occurs when the bacteria in your mouth produce acid that eats away at the tooth enamel, creating tiny holes called cavities. To fix this issue, we remove the decay and fill the cavity with a tooth-colored filling.

How Often Do I Need a Checkup?

We recommend that our patients visit our dental office at least twice a year. These visits will include a thorough dental cleaning and a dental examination. The exam also includes a screening for oral cancer. We will also take diagnostic X-rays of your teeth. These X-rays will help us discover any hidden issues, such as abscesses, cysts, or tumors.

How Does the Dentist Clean My Teeth?

Dentists use a variety of specialized tools to clean your teeth. They start with a thorough examination, including a complete visual exam, oral cancer screening, cleaning, and examination of your gums. Depending on your individual oral health needs, you may need to schedule more frequent cleanings.

How Do I Take Care of My Teeth?

Maintaining good oral hygiene is the first step to keeping your teeth clean and healthy. Brush and floss each day and see your dentist regularly for checkups. On average, you should be seeing your dentist every six months. If your dentist recommends more frequent visits, then follow their instructions. The recommended frequency depends on your age and your dental history.

Hands down, sugar is one of the worst things for your teeth. When you eat sugar, the bacteria on your teeth will feed off it, producing acid as a byproduct. That acid will then eat away at the enamel of your teeth, potentially leading to cavities and tooth decay. The best way to avoid this is to brush and floss your teeth regularly.

To find out more about the dental services we offer at Finesse Dental Care, call (805) 410-9324 or schedule a consultation online. You can also visit Dentist in Thousand Oaks, CA at 860 Hampshire Rd., Suite E, Thousand Oaks, CA 91361.