Dental Checkups and Teeth Cleanings – North Raleigh, NC

Why are Regular Dental Checkups & Cleanings Important?

Naturally, you might be wondering why your dental health plays such a significant role in your overall well-being. In short, researchers have found what they call the “oral-systemic connection.” In other words, what’s in your mouth doesn’t necessarily stay in your mouth. The same bacteria and toxins that can cause tooth decay and periodontal disease may be involved in the development or severity of other bodily conditions. Therefore, oral hygiene and dental cleanings are as much about caring for your whole body as they are about caring for the health of your teeth and gums.

What to Expect During a Dental Checkup

First, Dr. Lisk will spend some time with you one-on-one to catch up or get to know you. Then, he will ask you a few questions about your oral health, take a look at your latest X-rays, and complete a visual exam. During this last step, he will take a look at your teeth, gums, and the soft tissue in your mouth, looking for signs of decay and infection in the process. If he notices anything concerning, he will bring it to your attention right away and discuss your different treatment options.

What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning

A routine cleaning at our North Raleigh dental practice is performed by one of our skilled hygienists. The procedure consists of scaling, polishing, and flossing the teeth in order to thoroughly remove the accumulated plaque, tartar, and stains. This cleaning not only helps to keep you healthier by preventing disease, but also leaves your mouth feeling refreshed. We offer pleasant-tasting polishing pastes that contain fluoride as well as a version that is fluoride-free – the choice is yours!

At-Home Oral Hygiene

During the time in between your visits to see Dr. Lisk, your home care hygiene routine is extremely important. Brushing and flossing need to be done daily and correctly. Here are some simple tips to improve your technique.

• Always use a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
• Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle against your teeth. This way, you’ll be able to brush well along the gum line where plaque is more likely to accumulate.

• Brush in a circular motion along the outer surfaces of your teeth, back and forth on the chewing surfaces as well as up and down on the inside surfaces.
• Spend at least two minutes brushing your teeth every morning and night.
• Use about 18 inches of floss, moving along it as you go, so there is a clean segment between each pair of teeth.
• Curve the floss around the tooth using the side of the tooth as a guide to push the floss up and under the gumline as far as possible. Scrub up and down several times using a moderate amount of pressure. Enough pressure and motion should be used to disrupt and remove the sticky film.