Dental Hygiene in Silver Spring & Germantown, MD

The single most effective way to maintain a bright, healthy smile is by practicing good dental hygiene. In addition to properly caring for your teeth at home, regular visits to the dentist can help you stay ahead of the game. R3 Dental Group offers dental cleaning and other services to residents of Silver Spring, Germantown, and Washington, D.C.

Preventing Problems Before They Start

The health of your teeth and mouth is very important to the well-being of your entire body, and while routine brushing and flossing at home is necessary to keep your smile looking its best, visiting your dentist for a comprehensive exam and cleaning is essential. The American Dental Association recommends that you visit your dentist every six months to ensure that your teeth stay healthy and your smile stays beautiful. We encourage patients to schedule regular appointments at this interval.

By routinely seeing your dentist for exams and cleanings, you can:

• Prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath
• Save money by avoiding costly and extensive dental procedures
• Keep your teeth white by reducing staining from food and drinks
• Shorten the time spent in your dentist’s office
• Have a smile that will last a lifetime

Dental Exams

Dental exams are a simple part of your regular appointment. During your exam, your dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other health problems. Your dentist may also want to take X-rays to see what is happening beneath the surface of your teeth and gums. Whether these X-rays are traditional or digital, the images provided will help your dentist discover dental issues not visible to the naked eye.

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in food and water that is essential to the health of the teeth. This mineral helps create strong tooth enamel, which is the protective barrier that prevents sugar and bacteria from breaking down the teeth. Without sufficient enamel, many patients will begin to experience tooth decay. Fluoride treatments can restore this important mineral to the tooth enamel, protecting and strengthening teeth. This process involves applying fluoride directly to the teeth, typically using a foam mouth guard which the patient bites into. Fluoride treatments can help prevent a range of health issues that come with poor dental hygiene.

Professional Cleanings

Your dental hygienist will begin your cleaning by exploring the surface of your teeth to determine if you have any cavities and to examine the quality of existing fillings. The dental hygienist will then perform a periodontal exam to make sure your gums adhere tightly to your teeth, and no periodontal disease or bone loss may be occurring.

Next, your hygienist will carefully clean your teeth with a variety of tools to remove any hard mineral buildup (tartar) from your teeth. Then, your hygienist will floss your teeth, use a polishing compound, and apply fluoride. Cleanings usually aren’t painful, but if you have any anxiety about your dental exam, be sure to let your hygienist know. They may offer several sedation options to ensure your comfort. If your dentist or hygienist finds tooth decay or gum disease, they will talk to you about changing your brushing or flossing habits. In severe cases, they may recommend antibiotics or other dental treatments. If your teeth and gums appear to be healthy, your dentist will probably recommend that you continue your brushing and flossing routine as usual.

At R3 Dental Group, we incorporate a number of techniques into our cleanings, offering patients a thorough cleaning treatment that helps protect and strengthen the teeth. If it has been longer than six months since your last cleaning, we encourage you to come see us as soon as you can. R3 Dental Group welcomes patients from Silver Spring, Germantown, Bowie, Frederick, and the surrounding areas of Maryland. Contact us today to make an appointment.