Routine dental cleanings should be part of everyone's oral health care. If you need a dentist in Honolulu, HI, Dr. Tony Kim and Dr. Mark Kuioka of Dental Day Spa of Hawaii offer all the dental services you need.
The ADA recommends routine dental cleanings. They also recommend that you do proper tooth care at home. The combination of these two things is the best way to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
When should you get routine dental cleanings?
Each person is different, and your dentist will suggest a personalized approach to your dental care. Most dentists recommend twice-yearly cleaning for the average patient with healthy gums. If you have any early symptoms of gingivitis, the recommendation may be for three or four visits a year.
Routine dental cleanings are important
Every time you eat, food and drink forms plaque on your teeth. If plaque is not immediately removed, it becomes hard and this is called tartar. It can form at or below the gum and cause irritation which makes your gums bleed when you brush or floss. In the event gingivitis is not dealt with promptly, it can lead to periodontitis, a much more serious form of gum disease. If you think you have gum disease, seeing a dentist in Honolulu, HI, is the right thing to do.
Untreated periodontitis can cause serious health issues. This includes the increased risk of heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's, just to name a few. Research has linked gum disease to more than 120 diseases, according to the Ohio State School of Dentistry. By getting routine cleaning and check-ups, your dentist can stay on top of any issues that may need further treatment.
What to do between dental cleaning
The ADA is very clear about how you should clean your teeth at home. You need to brush twice a day with a soft toothbrush shaped so that you can reach all your teeth and floss once a day. You should use an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste and replace your toothbrush every three or four months. You can use an electric toothbrush or manual. The important thing is that you brush for at least two minutes each time.
If you are due to see a dentist in Honolulu, HI, Dr. Kim and Dr. Kuioka of Dental Day Spa of Hawaii are accepting new patients. To make an appointment, give their office a call at (808) 734-2099.