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Oral hygiene is the cornerstone of a healthy smile. Brushing at least twice a day and flossing regularly helps prevent dental decay and periodontal disease, the most common culprits of dental disease. However, this is not enough to ensure good oral health.

While 47.2% of adults aged 30 years and older have some form of periodontal disease, which increases to 70.1% of adults 65 years and older, over the last 35 years at Elite Prosthetic Dentistry, our patients have rarely suffered through gum and bone disease while being individually treated and guided by one of our highly skilled hygienists through our Oral Health and Wellness Programs.

Why are Professional Teeth Cleanings Necessary?

No matter how meticulous we are, certain areas in our mouth are particularly hard to reach, allowing oral plaque (also known as biofilm) to accumulate and cause inflammation in the gum tissue or, after a period of time, can even calcify into tartar, which can no longer be removed while brushing and flossing. In addition, the side of a tooth that is in touch with the next tooth can even decay.

What is Oral Plaque or Biofilm?

Dental plaque is an archetypical biofilm composed of a complex microbial community. It is the cause of major dental diseases such as dental caries and periodontal disease. In the healthy state, both plaque biofilm and adjacent tissues maintain a delicate balance, maintaining a harmonious relationship between the two. However, changes occur during the disease process that transforms this ‘healthy’ dental plaque into a ‘pathogenic’ biofilm.

What to Expect During Your Oral Health and Wellness Visit

At Elite Prosthetic Dentistry, professional cleanings are performed by our skilled and experienced Dental Hygienist. She will follow a series of steps to ensure no potential issue is overlooked.

-She will perform a co exam and will evaluate your oral hygiene, followed by giving the necessary information and instructions so that you can successfully maintain a healthy mouth.

-She will evaluate the condition of your gums and bone around your teeth by probing to make sure there are no signs of bone loss (Periodontal disease).

-She will thoroughly remove all calculus and plaque biofilm using a variety of instruments and specialized equipment. Your teeth will then be polished, and stains will be removed. You’ll be offered a fluoride treatment.

How Often Should My Teeth Be Cleaned?

The answer is that the frequency varies from patient to patient, as some will need to come in more frequently than others. General guidelines recommend that patients with good oral hygiene habits and no hereditary predisposition for dental decay or periodontal disease should be seen twice a year.

What’s Periodontitis? (Periodontal Disease)

Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. (Gums, bone) Poor oral hygiene habits allow biofilm plaque to build up on the teeth. In advanced stages, periodontal disease can lead to sore, bleeding gums, painful chewing problems, and extensive bone loss leading to tooth loss.

Let Us Take Care of Your Smile

Still haven’t seen a hygienist this year? Call us today at (202) 335-4929 or contact us online to direct book your appointment for a professional cleaning – a healthy smile is only one click away!

Elite Prosthetic Dentistry serves patients locally in Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, and all of the neighboring communities in Maryland and Virginia, as well as patients throughout the country. Our prosthodontist, Dr. Gerald Marlin, is a leading expert in dental implants, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. We look forward to hearing from you soon!