Family Dentistry in South Calgary, De Winton & Okotoks

Keeping Your Smile Bright

Good oral hygiene is what keeps your mouth and teeth looking and feeling great. As the basis of oral health, oral hygiene is imperative to preventing tooth decay and other preventable diseases and infections.

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day plays a crucial role in overall oral health. However, as important as at-home oral hygiene practices are, they aren’t enough to keep your mouth healthy forever.

Visiting your dentist regularly for a proper examination and cleaning is the only way to detect, diagnose, and treat signs of gum disease before it’s given a chance to worsen. Preventive care is at the centre of our philosophy at Heritage Pointe Dental. Not only do we want to fix any problems you might have, but we also want to keep your mouth healthy so you can continue to eat, smile, and talk with comfort and ease.

If you’re concerned about your oral health or are due for a check-up, please request an appointment today!

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When Do I Need a Dental Exam?

According to the Canadian Dental Association, most patients should see their dentist for a routine exam and cleaning at least every 6 months. However, the frequency of your dental visits may vary depending on your oral hygiene habits and the overall health of your mouth and teeth.

Visiting your dentist semi-annually allows your dental team to:

Assess the health of your teeth, gums, cheeks, and tongue
Ensure your at-home oral hygiene practices are meeting your needs
Remove any plaque that has built up since your last visit
Address any questions or concerns you may have

What Does a Dental Exam Consist Of?

When you come in for a dental exam, your dentist will do a general assessment of your teeth and gums to make sure they are healthy. They will carefully inspect each tooth for signs of decay, disease, or damage that can lead to more serious problems. Your dentist will also examine your bite to ensure your teeth and jaws are correctly aligned.

Depending on the length of time since your last appointment, you may need to have some x-rays done. X-rays allow your dentist to take a closer look at the structure and health of your jaws and any teeth that may not have erupted, like wisdom teeth. They also give your dentist a chance to see the areas of your teeth below the gumline.

It’s important to visit your dentist every 6 months, even if your gums are healthy. Your dentist is specially trained to pinpoint early signs of decay and disease before they start showing symptoms. The sooner an oral health problem is detected, the sooner treatment can prevent it from worsening or causing a related issue.

Regular dental exams are an essential part of preventive health that allows you to approach oral health proactively. Remember, it’s always easier to prevent problems than it is to treat them!

Dental Cleanings & Why They’re Important

Brushing and flossing your teeth at home should be a part of your daily routine. However, even if you never forget to floss and brush after every meal, you should still have your teeth professionally cleaned at least twice a year.

Your dental hygienist has the education and experience to remove built-up plaque and tartar that your ordinary toothbrush can’t. Removing this buildup helps prevent cavities and gum disease.

A cleaning typically begins with scaling, where your dentist or hygienist uses small tools to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. The tools reach under the gumline to remove buildup from areas where your toothbrush and floss can’t reach.

After removing any built-up plaque and tartar, your hygienist uses a paste designed to remove the bacterial film on the teeth. They may also recommend a fluoride treatment to help protect your teeth from decay.

Book Your Appointment Today!

We take pride in keeping our community smiling. Alongside exams and cleanings, Heritage Pointe Dental offers a range of emergency, surgical, and cosmetic dentistry to keep your mouth healthy.

If you have any questions about dental exams or professional cleanings, please contact our office or request an appointment!

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Where to Find Us

Find us on the corner of Pine Creek Road and Heritage Lake Drive, right beside Pizza on Pointe. We are 5 minutes away from the Heritage Pointe Golf Club.