Family Dentistry Services

Dental Cleanings & Oral Hygiene in Sugar Hill

Preventative care and maintenance is the first way to protect your smile AND your health. We strive to make your visit with us easy and stress-free every time.

The Importance of Oral Hygiene

Oral hygiene habits are critical to protecting the teeth and gums from their biggest threat: plaque. Plaque is a soft and colorless film that coats the teeth. The bacteria in plaque feeds on sugars and starches from the foods you eat and can produce acids that eat away at your tooth enamel. Plaque also irritates the gums, causing them to bleed and become red and sensitive. Removing plaque as quickly and thoroughly as possible is important because when left on the teeth, plaque hardens into tartar, which is more difficult to remove. Plaque and tartar can lead to gum disease, which eventually destroys the bone around the teeth and causes tooth loss.

Brushing and Flossing

Two of the best ways to remove plaque are brushing and flossing. You should brush your teeth twice a day for at least two to three minutes. Use toothbrushes labeled with the ADA Seal of Acceptance and switch brushes every three to four months. Floss once a day for two to three minutes; make sure to get in between the teeth and along the gum line.

Reducing Sugar Consumption

Another way to protect your teeth from plaque and dental disease is to limit your consumption of sugary foods and beverages. Eat well-balanced meals and avoid snacking in between meals. Stay away from carbonated beverages and drink sugary beverages through a straw so they don’t come in direct contact with your teeth for a long time. Look for naturally sweet foods, like apples and other fruits, to quell sugar cravings. If you do eat an occasional sugary snack, brush your teeth and rinse your mouth out immediately afterward.

Professional Dental Cleanings

No matter how diligent you are about at-home oral hygiene, there are certain areas that a toothbrush and floss miss. During a professional dental cleaning, the dental hygienist uses special instruments and techniques to clean the tiny nooks and crannies between the teeth and along the gum line that can harbor bacteria and plaque. It is essential to schedule cleanings every six months and possibly more, depending on your specific circumstances.

In addition to cleaning the teeth and gums, cleanings can:

  • freshen breath
  • remove deep-set tooth stains and discoloration from coffee, tea, wine or tobacco
  • allow the dental team an opportunity to spot and stop dental problems in their earliest stages before they cause pain and discomfort
  • prevent the need for expensive, time-consuming treatment in the future

Learn More about Keeping Your Teeth and Gums Clean

To learn more about oral hygiene or schedule a dental cleaning appointment, please call or email Dentistry of Sugar Hill today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

We recommend scheduling dental cleanings and exams every six months for optimal oral health. However, your dentist may suggest more frequent visits based on your specific needs.

Do you accept my insurance?

We work with a wide variety of dental insurance providers. Please contact our office or visit our Insurance & Payment page for a full list of accepted plans.

What should I expect during my first visit?

Your first visit typically includes a comprehensive exam, X-rays, and a discussion about your dental health goals. This helps us create a personalized treatment plan for you.

How often should I brush my teeth, and what is the proper technique?

You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, especially before bed, using a soft-bristle toothbrush and an ADA-approved toothpaste. For the best results:

  • Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums.
  • Use gentle, circular motions to brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of each tooth.
  • Don’t forget to brush the inside of your front teeth and your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

Electric toothbrushes are also recommended as they can efficiently remove plaque by simply guiding the brush while it works on multiple teeth at a time.

How often should I floss, and what is the correct way to do it?

You should floss daily to remove plaque and food particles between your teeth and under the gumline, where a toothbrush can’t reach. Follow these steps for effective flossing:

  • Use about 12-16 inches of dental floss, wrapping it around your middle fingers, with 2 inches of floss between them.
  • Gently insert the floss between your teeth using a sawing motion.
  • Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth, sliding it up and down to clean the side of each tooth and below the gumline.

If you find regular floss difficult to use, floss holders are a helpful alternative.

How often should I schedule dental cleanings and exams?

It is generally recommended to schedule dental cleanings and exams every six months. Regular visits help prevent common issues like cavities, gum disease, and plaque buildup. They also allow your dentist to catch potential problems early. However, depending on your oral health, your dentist may suggest more frequent visits. Always follow your dentist’s advice based on your individual needs.

Effective, reliable treatments for patients of all ages.

No matter what your needs or goals for your smile may be, our dentists and teams are here to help. We look forward to meeting you and every member of your family and helping you take your first steps to better smiles.

Take some time to learn more about the services we provide at Dentistry of Sugar Hill. When you are ready to schedule an appointment with our dentists, contact our dental offices in Sugar Hill.

More Family Dentistry Services

Our experienced and caring team is dedicated to serving patients of all ages, from children to seniors, and providing top-notch oral health care for the entire family. We strive to make dental visits easy and stress-free for you and your loved ones. Our family-friendly atmosphere ensures that every member of your household feels comfortable and at ease during their dental appointments.

From routine check-ups and cleanings to preventive treatments like dental sealants and fluoride treatments, we prioritize preventive care to maintain healthy smiles for a lifetime. Should any dental concerns arise, our skilled dentists are equipped to deliver a wide range of services, including restorative treatments, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry.

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Visit the Patient Center to learn what to expect from your first visit, forms, financial policies, and frequently asked questions!

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