When to Know It’s Time for a Dental Cleaning
At Times Square Dental, we believe that a beautiful smile is built on a foundation of optimal oral health. Since we opened our doors in 1997, we have treated patients of all ages in Boise and the surrounding Ada County with a commitment to advanced technology and compassionate care. While you may brush and floss diligently at home, there are certain aspects of oral hygiene that only a professional can address.
Many patients wonder how often they truly need to sit in the dentist’s chair. While every smile is unique, your mouth often gives you clear signals when it needs professional attention. Ignoring these signs can lead to more serious complications down the road, such as tooth loss or severe decay. Here are seven key indicators that it is time to schedule your next appointment with Dr. Jon Hastings, Dr. Katie Travelle, and our skilled team.
#1: It Has Been More Than Six Months Since Your Last Visit
The standard recommendation for most patients is to schedule dental cleanings and exams every six months. This timeframe allows our team to remove plaque and tartar buildup before it evolves into a more significant issue. Routine visits are necessary because even the most rigorous home care cannot reach every nook and cranny of your mouth.
If you cannot remember the last time you saw a dentist, you are likely overdue. Patients who maintain a schedule of routine visits are less likely to experience dental emergencies or severe tooth loss later in life. If it has been over half a year, call 208-343-1981 to get back on track with your oral health.
#2: Your Gums Bleed When You Floss
Healthy gums should not bleed during daily brushing or flossing. If you notice blood in the sink or a pink tint on your floss, it is often an early sign of gum disease (gingivitis). This irritation is usually caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth.
If this plaque is not removed, it hardens into tartar, which cannot be removed by brushing alone and requires professional dental instruments to eliminate. Our gentle gum disease treatment can help reverse these early stages and prevent the condition from progressing, ensuring the stability of your teeth and supporting structures.
#3: You Have Visible Surface Stains
Dietary factors play a significant role in the appearance of your smile. If you frequently consume coffee, tea, or dark berries, you may notice your teeth losing their luster over time. While home whitening products exist, they often cannot replicate the results of a professional cleaning.
Our professional cleanings do more than just improve your health; they offer a deep clean that removes surface stains to improve the aesthetics of your smile. This process helps combat discoloration, leaving your teeth professionally cleaned and giving you a brighter, more confident smile.
#4: You Can See or Feel Tartar Buildup
Plaque that is left on the teeth hardens into a rough, porous substance known as tartar. You might feel these rough spots with your tongue, usually behind the lower front teeth or near the gum line. Once tartar forms, your toothbrush is ineffective against it, and it acts as a haven for bacteria that irritate the gums.
To truly protect your teeth and gums from future dental problems, you need the support of professional dental cleanings to remove this buildup. If you are looking for a dentist’s office near you to handle this buildup gently and effectively, our team is ready to help. Call 208-343-1981 today.
#5: You Are Experiencing Tooth Sensitivity
If you feel a sharp pain or lingering discomfort when you eat hot, cold, or sweet foods, it could be a sign of a cavity or gum recession. Health experts estimate that around one in four adults has an untreated cavity right now. Unlike brushing at home, frequent visits to our Boise office allow us to monitor these changes in your dental health over time.
We utilize state-of-the-art technology to catch these issues early. This includes:
- Iris Intraoral Cameras: These provide detailed close-up views of your teeth to aid in accurate diagnosis.
- Digital Radiography: Our digital X-rays use a fraction of the radiation of old machines to see decay between teeth or bone loss beneath the surface.
#6: You Have Persistent Bad Breath
Bad breath, or halitosis, that does not go away after brushing or using mouthwash is often a sign of underlying bacterial issues. It can indicate the presence of gum disease or decaying food particles trapped in hard-to-reach areas. By setting aside time for professional cleanings, you are actively removing bacteria from your mouth that contribute to these odors.
Routine cleanings play a crucial role in your overall health by managing these bacteria. If you are searching for dentists near you who can help resolve chronic bad breath and restore your confidence, look no further than Times Square Dental.
#7: You Have History of Systemic Health Issues
Your oral health is deeply connected to your overall physical well-being. Oral health problems have been linked to serious systemic concerns, including heart disease and high blood pressure. Removing bacteria through professional cleanings is vital, as these specific bacteria have been linked to both gum disease and heart attacks.
For patients with a history of periodontal disease or other risk factors, we may recommend more frequent visits to keep bacteria under control. We will work with you to determine the schedule that best supports your specific needs. Please call 208-343-1981 to discuss your health history with our team.
Experience the Times Square Dental Difference
At Times Square Dental, we strive to make every dental visit a relaxing, enjoyable, and neighborly experience. Whether you are seeing Dr. Hastings or Dr. Travelle, our goal is to provide high-quality care in a comfortable setting. We even offer amenities like ceiling-mounted flat-screen TVs in every care room so you can relax and watch a movie during your treatment.
Don’t wait until you are in pain to prioritize your smile. Join the many patients in Boise, ID, who trust us for their dental care. Contact our dental office today at 208-343-1981 or use our online form to schedule your next cleaning and exam.