October is National Dental Hygiene Month, and our team is taking time to honor good oral hygiene and its role in excellent dental health.
Why Consistent Dental Hygiene Appointments Matter
Preventive dentistry is the cornerstone of our practice because it promotes excellent oral and overall health for our patients. With so many connections between overall well-being and dental health, these visits are more important than ever.
Understanding the Oral-Systemic Connection
Consistent hygiene appointments help prevent periodontal (gum) disease, an infection of the structures that support your teeth, including your gums and jawbone. When your gums and bone aren’t healthy, your teeth are at risk, too.
Because inflammation and bacteria from gum disease can travel through your bloodstream, they may contribute to other health concerns, and the reverse can be true as well. Conditions connected with gum disease include:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Dementia
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Respiratory concerns
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
Gum disease has also been associated with pregnancy complications, such as gestational diabetes and low birth weight.
We screen for gum disease during your routine cleaning and exam. Catching it early gives you a better chance of managing it and, in some cases, even reversing it.
The Stages of Gum Disease
Gingivitis
Early gum disease is known as gingivitis. It moves slowly and can be hard to spot on your own because it causes little pain at first. That’s why regular checkups with your Wilmington dentist are so important. Signs of gingivitis include:
- Red, swollen, or irritated gums
- Gums that bleed during brushing and flossing
- Chronic bad breath that doesn’t improve with brushing, flossing, or mouthwash
When it’s detected early, many patients can reverse gingivitis with a thorough professional cleaning and improvements to their home care routine.
Advanced gum disease is known as periodontitis. At this stage, you may notice:
- Tooth mobility
- Pain or tenderness when chewing
- Gum recession and root exposure
Unfortunately, periodontitis can’t be cured, but we can help you control it and keep damage and symptoms at bay.
What to Expect During a Routine Preventive Visit
During your cleaning, our hygienist will gently remove plaque and bacterial buildup you may have missed at home. Then we’ll floss and polish your teeth for a sparkling finish. These visits are also a great time to learn about products and techniques that could improve your home care routine.
During your exam, our dentists screen for problems like tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer, which are most successfully treated when found early. They’ll also check your existing restorations for wear or breakdown that could cause trouble later, saving you time and money and helping you avoid uncomfortable dental emergencies.
Simple Habits to Celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month
Great dental health is built between visits, too. This October, consider recommitting to these everyday habits:
- Brush twice a day for two minutes. Use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste, and take your time along the gumline.
- Clean between your teeth daily. Floss or interdental brushes reach the plaque a toothbrush can’t.
- Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed.
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks. Frequent sipping and snacking feed the bacteria that cause decay.
- Don’t skip your appointments. Even excellent home care can’t remove hardened tartar, and regular visits let us catch small issues before they grow.
If you’re unsure whether your technique is working, ask your hygienist. We’re always happy to demonstrate and answer questions.
Who Benefits From More Frequent Visits?
Not everyone needs the same schedule. Patients with a history of gum disease, diabetes, or dry mouth, as well as those who smoke or are pregnant, may benefit from more frequent cleanings. We’ll recommend a schedule tailored to your needs, because the right plan is the one that fits you.
Supporting Our Community
For over 45 years, our practice has served patients in Wilmington and neighboring Pennsylvania communities, including Marcus Hook, Chadds Ford, and Aston. We’re honored that five dentists from our family have been named Delaware Top Dentists from DelawareToday three years in a row, and we’re humbled by the distinction. We are proud to be part of the Matthews family legacy of excellence, a name Delaware families have trusted for more than 45 years.
If you’re looking for excellent family dentistry in Wilmington, DE, look no further. Contact our team to schedule your next appointment or book your visit online.