Preventive Dentistry

How Often Should I See the Dentist for a Cleaning?

Your checkups and cleanings at Rifkin Dental are an important part of your preventive dental care. Rifkin Dental generally schedules checkup exams and dental cleanings in the same appointment for your convenience.

For most patients, the team at Rifkin Dental recommends getting a checkup and cleaning twice a year. However, if you've got advanced periodontal disease or other serious oral health problems, you may need more frequent appointments. Your dentist can recommend a schedule tailored to your needs during your initial visit.

What Should I Expect During a Preventive Cleaning?

Your preventive checkup includes a thorough exam of each tooth. Your dentist at Rifkin Dental may also take X-ray images if needed as this can help identify existing or emerging problems with your teeth.

Your preventive checkups are also the perfect time to discuss your concerns and goals. If you’re worried about tooth sensitivity, you want whiter teeth, or you want to straighten your teeth, your checkup is an ideal opportunity to discuss these things with your dentist.

The team at Rifkin Dental wants to give you all the tools you need to maintain optimal dental health and avoid future dental issues. These visits are the best way to learn preventive care tips so you can put them into action at home.

How Can I Practice Preventive Care at Home?

Your dentist at Rifkin Dental can give you specific preventive care tips to practice at home. Some highly effective tips include:

• Brush twice a day, two minutes at a time
• Use a soft bristle brush to avoid enamel loss and damage
• Floss every night before bed
• Use an antibacterial or antimicrobial mouth rinse after you floss
• Eat a diet low in sugar
• Don’t smoke or use chewing tobacco

Some of these tips may be easier than others to implement. Many patients may struggle with limiting sugar intake, but it’s important to understand that going from a sugar-filled diet to a very low or no-sugar diet can make a huge difference in your teeth, gums, and overall oral health. Sugar is the number one enemy when it comes to your oral health, so it’s well worth the effort to change your diet.

If you need a preventive cleaning, call Rifkin Dental or schedule an appointment online today.