The power and importance of Professional Dental Hygiene services

Your teeth and gums feel fine. There is no bleeding on your toothbrush. No aching teeth. Your smile looks great, too. All that consistent brushing and flossing at home must really be paying off. So, you don’t need to visit the dentist regularly, right? Wrong! The professional expertise and services available at dental offices like A & S Dental Wellness Center of Leominster in Leominster, Massachusetts, are critical to maintaining the health and appearance of your smile. Plus, a combination of excellent home hygiene and professional hygiene supports your overall health. Today, it is accepted that many serious conditions are linked to oral conditions, such as gum (periodontal) disease. 

Why are regular dental visits important?

Our dentist, Dr. Yijia Li, is happy to share how there really is no substitute for professional care at our office. Dr. Li has listed a few of the reasons why regular visits are a must for your oral health and overall wellbeing: 

• Standard toothbrushes and over-the-counter (OTC) oral care products can only do so much. That doesn’t mean you should skip home care; however, it means you cannot rely on home hygiene exclusively. For instance, brushing and flossing each day can remove harmful bacteria, sticky plaque, and food particles. But once that plaque hardens into tartar, only professional dental instruments in the hands of trained hygienists or dental providers can remove this destructive substance. Plaque buildup inflames the gums, erodes the teeth, and contributes to releasing toxins that break down oral tissues.
• Many oral conditions, including enamel erosion and gum inflammation, are asymptomatic or “silent” in their earliest stages. You may think that your teeth and gums are healthy, yet there can still be damage lurking. By the time symptoms like swelling and pain are present, your teeth and gums may be irreparably damaged. Dr. Li has invested in the latest diagnostics, and combined with her keen knowledge, she can detect even the earliest problems accurately. Such detailed and clear diagnostics also lends itself to effective, prompt treatment, which is generally more cost-effective and gentler, too!
• As dental professionals, we have access to medical-grade ingredients, products, and special services that you can’t find at the drugstore or online. These products and techniques are clinically proven to be safe and effective. Depending on your needs, we may recommend preventive services, such as dental sealants that quite literally seal out food debris and other nastiest from decay-prone back teeth. Our team also provides guidance on cleaning techniques you can trust; for example, many patients may brush their teeth consistently, but they fail to brush properly. Set a timer to two minutes each time you brush, and be diligent. Don’t forget to brush areas of the mouth that harbor bacteria, such as the tongue, gums, and palate.

Stay on top of your oral health with regular checkups

We generally recommend checkups (a combination of oral exams and professional cleanings) once every six months. If you have risk factors for decay, gum disease, and oral cancer, Dr. Yijia Li may advise more frequent visits to our office. These risks include smoking, vaping, and the use of tobacco products, as well as pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes. 

After all, your whole-body health is inextricably linked to the health of your mouth. If you are due for professional care, contact us today at (978) 926-9010 to schedule your appointment at A & S Dental Wellness Center of Leominster. We look forward to partnering with you!