Dentist Bend Oregon

Professional Dental Teeth Cleaning
Having a professional teeth cleaning and check- up by a dentist in Bend, Oregon is one of the best things a person can do for their overall health. Not only can a regular Bend teeth cleaning produce healthy smiles, it can also help produce healthy bodies. A Bend professional teeth cleaning can help detect early tooth problems so that they can be addressed at an early stage and help prevent a wide range of other oral issues that may lead to serious health problems.

The Dental Hygienist
A Bend teeth cleaning is usually performed by a dental hygienist. Dental hygienists are experienced, licensed oral care professionals. They are required to graduate from an accredited dental hygiene program and must pass written and clinical exams before they are licensed. Dental hygienists may take and develop x-rays, use specialized dental instruments to scrape plaque and tarter off of teeth, polish teeth, give fluoride treatments, place sealants on teeth, conduct oral cancer screenings and assist a Bend dentist during dental procedures.

X-Rays
Since many oral health problems cannot be seen during a visual exam, x-rays can be an important part of a Bend professional teeth cleaning. X-rays help a Bend dentist to see cavities, gum disease, infection, abscesses or other changes in teeth and they can also show osteoporosis.  X-rays are usually required for new patients in order to establish their oral health and are considered a beneficial part of a patient’s overall dental care.
The frequency of x-rays depends on a patient’s dental and overall health and should be discussed with a Bend dentist. Although the amount of radiation patients are exposed to during an x-ray is small, pregnant women should take special precautions prior to having an x-ray and discuss any concerns they have with their Bend dentist.

Cleaning the Teeth

A Bend professional teeth cleaning is considered a routine procedure and should not be painful. A Bend dentist cares deeply about a patient’s comfort. Once patients are comfortably settled in the dental chair, the dental hygienist will gently scrape any tartar off of the teeth and then use a special abrasive paste to polish the teeth. The hygienist will also floss the teeth to make sure nothing remains between the teeth and gum. Finally, the hygienist will advise the patient on the proper way to brush and floss.
After the hygienist completes a professional dental teeth cleaning, a Bend family dentist will usually come in to look at the patient’s teeth. The Bend dentist will look closely at the teeth to see if there are any signs of tooth decay, loose teeth or gum problems. The Bend dentist will also check the mouth for any abnormalities such as lesions, sores or swelling which may be an early indication of oral cancer. Based on the exam, the Bend dentist will diagnose problems and offer a treatment plan. Having a Bend teeth cleaning and Bend dentist check-up on a regular basis can help prevent many common dental problems.[button_square color="orange"

Bad Breath
It is common knowledge that some foods cause bad breath (also known as halitosis) like garlic and onions, but bad breath can also be a sign of problem with teeth or gums or even be an indicator of illness in the body. If a person does not brush and floss regularly, food can get stuck in teeth. This stuck-on food causes bacteria to grow and the excess bacteria causes bad breath. Bad breath can also be an early sign of gum disease or mouth infection. It may also accompany some medical conditions such as acid reflux, and sinus infections. Having a Bend teeth cleaning can head off any potential problems that may cause bad breath.

Periodontics and Gum Disease
Periodontics is a type of dentistry that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the gum. Periodontists also specialize in placing dental implants. Gum disease is caused by plaque that remains on the gum line of the teeth allowing bacteria to breed and it is a major reason many adults experience tooth loss. Gingivitis is a form of early gum disease that can be reversed with proper brushing, flossing and professional dental cleaning. Some early signs of gingivitis are bleeding and painful gums, bad breath, or gums that appear to pull away from teeth. If left alone, gingivitis can advance and become periodontitis where the gums become inflamed and infected.
Periodontitis often leads to tooth loss. A Bend dentist is knowledgeable in all areas of periodontics and can help identify early signs of gum disease and begin a treatment plan. Treating gum disease at an early stage can help reverse the condition and lessen the chance of complications and tooth loss.

Risk Factors for Gum Disease
There are several risk factors for gum disease other than poor hygiene habits. Smoking is a major risk factor and can also make treating the disease more difficult. Certain medications that reduce saliva production put people at higher risk for gum disease as well as some medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes and AIDS. In addition, pregnant women, women going through menopause or women who take oral contraceptives may be at higher risk of gum disease due to hormonal changes. A Bend dentist can help identify risk factors for patients and advise them on lifestyle changes that will help prevent gum disease.

Gum Disease and Heart Disease
Recent research suggests a strong link between gum disease and heart disease. It is believed that the bacteria associated with gum disease could enter the bloodstream and affect the heart by causing clots to form. This may lead to a heart attack. It is also believed that inflammation causes heart disease and that inflammation in the gums may lead to inflammation in the arteries. In addition, research shows a link between the bacteria found in gum disease and an increased risk of stroke. A Bend dentist is dedicated to keeping plaque off of teeth and out of arteries.

Gum Disease Treatment and Deep Dental Cleaning
The first line of defense against gum disease is good oral care. While brushing is important, it cannot reach every area of the teeth. Flossing is a critical part of good oral care since it gets between the teeth to remove food and debris. One treatment a Bend dentist can do for periodontal disease is deep dental cleaning. The primary goal of deep dental cleaning is to remove the plaque and tartar on teeth as well as under the gum line where damaging bacteria can breed. This deep dental cleaning is accomplished by scaling and root planing the teeth. Local anesthetic may be given prior to a deep dental cleaning to keep patients as comfortable as possible during the procedure.
A dentist in Bend Oregon who provides professional teeth cleaning is a great way to keep the mouth healthy and help keep the body healthy too. Regular visits to a Bend dentist may prevent serious and potentially debilitating dental problems like cavities, gum disease and tooth loss as well as serious medical illnesses like heart attack and stroke. A healthy smile can increase self- confidence and help people feel better overall. Bend Family Dentistry is dedicated to helping its patients live healthy and happy lives.