Dental Exams & Teeth Cleaning in Brewster

Do You Need a Teeth Cleaning and Dental Exam in Brewster?

Before you see our dentist, one of our team members will ask you for a complete dental and medical history, including a list of your current medications. All new patients start out with a comprehensive exam which includes:

• A discussion of any oral problems you’re experiencing
• X-rays
• A thorough inspection of your mouth
• A check of your jaw alignment
• A screening for oral cancer

We like to form long-term relationships with our patients. By coming in for a dental exam every six months, you give our dentist an opportunity to catch any problems while they are minor and easy to treat. Depending on the state of your oral health, your dentist may ask to see you more often. If you need a dental home, please call our office so we can schedule your initial appointment.

Where Can I Go for a Dental Cleaning and Gum Disease Treatment?

Our dental hygienist performs teeth cleanings, which we recommend you have every six months before your dental exam. Even if you’re meticulous about your oral hygiene, plaque and tartar can build up at the gumline. Your hygienist can use special tools to remove it; you cannot do this at home. Removing the buildup of plaque and tartar is essential to maintaining proper oral health. The dental hygienist will also polish your teeth which can remove surface stains and leave your breath fresh. Dental cleanings can also reverse the symptoms of gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease where your gums become irritated from plaque and tartar buildup.

We also offer periodontal treatment if you have more advanced gum disease known as periodontal disease. We urge our patients to come in if they notice any symptoms of gingivitis, such as bright red gums or bleeding when you brush your teeth. It’s easier to reverse gingivitis than to treat periodontal disease. When you have advanced gum disease, your gums will begin to pull away from the teeth, leaving pockets vulnerable to bacteria and infections. This is much harder to fix than early-stage gingivitis. Please call our office if you need treatment for any stage of gum disease.

Do Dentists Have Effective Bad Breath Remedies?

Yes, seeing your dentist can help you cure your bad breath instead of covering it up with breath mints. Your dentist will examine your mouth to determine why your breath is less than pleasant; most cases of chronic bad breath are from poor oral hygiene habits. Your dentist can make suggestions about how you can keep your mouth cleaner, such as brushing your tongue gently with your toothbrush. It is also important to floss and brush your teeth at least twice daily. Consider taking a toothbrush with you to work so you can even brush after eating lunch. With proper oral hygiene, your bad breath should remedy quickly.

Chronic bad breath can also come from untreated decay or gum disease, which your dentist will look for during your dental exam. Having a dry mouth constantly, either from medications or smoking, will also contribute to bad breath. Saliva washes away bits of food trapped in our mouths. Without enough saliva, the bits of food will start to smell bad. You don’t have to live with this embarrassing condition; please call us to schedule an appointment so you can treat the cause of your bad breath instead of covering it up.

How Important Is an Oral Cancer Screening?

Oral cancer is a life-threatening disease which usually has very few symptoms in its early stages. Catching oral cancer in its early stages is essential for treatment to be effective. Your dentist can perform a quick, painless screening during a routine exam. The dentist will look for abnormalities and then check for lumps by feeling the tissues in your mouth. Your dentist is the perfect person to screen you; he or she is already examining for mouth under a bright light. We urge all of our patients over age 18 to have a five-minute screening during their exam as you don’t have to have any of the risk factors, such as tobacco use, to get oral cancer. We screen all our patients with the same conscientiousness, ensuring we don’t miss any early warning signs.

For a trustworthy dentist who can provide a dental exam in Brewster and professional cleaning, please call our office today to schedule your appointment.