How often should I visit the dentist for a checkup and cleaning?

Most patients should have dental checkups and cleanings every six months, but your dentist may recommend a different schedule based on your oral health needs.

What technology does Dentistry of Bethesda use for early detection?

We use advanced tools like DIAGNOdent, intraoral cameras, digital X-rays, and VELscope to detect cavities, gum disease, TMJ disorders, and oral cancer early.

Why are professional teeth cleanings necessary if I brush and floss daily?

Professional cleanings remove hardened tartar that cannot be removed by regular brushing and flossing, helping to prevent decay and gum disease.

Prevention and Early Detection
for Great Oral Health

Dr. Hornstein has the skills, education, and experience to treat the most complex cases, but he is passionate about preventing these oral health issues from developing at all. That is where preventive care comes into the picture. With checkups and professional dental cleanings every six months, your Bethesda general dentist can increase your chances of maintaining healthy, functional teeth for life.

Dental Checkups in Bethesda

At your dental checkup, Dr. Hornstein will examine your mouth for a variety of issues. To check for tooth decay, he will perform a visual inspection and probe your teeth with a dental instrument to determine if you have any weak spots.

Advanced dental technology helps Dr. Hornstein to make accurate diagnoses. DIAGNOdent is a handheld instrument he uses for early detection of cavities, and he may also use an intraoral camera to photograph your teeth and gums to detect issues in hard-to-reach areas. If you have not undergone dental X-rays in the previous year, he will obtain digital images of your teeth and jaws to determine if you have problems with decay, bite, jawbone position, or tooth eruption.

To determine if your gums are healthy, Dr. Hornstein will probe the areas between your teeth and gums. Periodontal pockets greater than 3 mm indicate early gum disease and require periodontal therapy to prevent the infection from worsening.

When inspecting your teeth, gums, bite, and jawbone, both visually and through digital X-rays, your Bethesda dentist is also looking for signs of TMJ disorder and bruxism. These two conditions often occur in tandem and can cause chronic headaches, jaw pain, tooth damage, and difficulty biting and chewing, which can wreak havoc on your oral and overall health.

An oral cancer screening is another important component of your dental exam. Because your chances of surviving this deadly condition are greater the earlier it is detected, Dr. Hornstein performs a meticulous oral cancer screening at every checkup using modern detection tools. VELscope is an instrument that detects abnormal cells that can’t be seen with the naked eye, allowing for the earliest possible detection of cancerous and precancerous cells.

Professional Teeth Cleaning

Maintaining a good oral hygiene regimen at home is only half the battle in keeping your mouth healthy. Professional cleanings by Dr. Hornstein’s hygienist ensure that you have the best possible foundation to do your job at home. The most important component of a dental cleaning is scaling, which is the removal of tartar on the teeth. This hard calculus, which forms when plaque is not cleaned away properly and mineralizes, cannot be removed with brushing or flossing. Your hygienist must either manually remove the substance from your teeth or use an ultrasonic scaler, which is a tool that gently vibrates to remove tartar. We will then floss between your teeth and polish them to a smooth finish, ensuring that plaque and oral bacteria have a harder time adhering to the surfaces. Teeth that are free of tartar are easier to clean and therefore less likely to develop tooth decay and gum disease.

What to Expect During Your Preventive Dental Visits in our Bethesda Office

During your dental checkup and cleaning at Dentistry of Bethesda, you can expect:

A comprehensive oral examination using advanced diagnostic tools
Removal of plaque and tartar buildup through professional cleaning
Assessment of your gums, bite, and jaw health
Personalized oral health advice and recommendations
Opportunity to discuss any dental concerns or questions you may have

Tips for Maintaining Great Oral Health at Home

To support your dental visits and maintain optimal oral health, consider these tips:

Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste using proper technique
Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles between teeth
Limit sugary and acidic foods and beverages to prevent tooth decay
Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals
Avoid tobacco products and practice good hydration
Visit Dentistry of Bethesda regularly for professional care and checkup

FAQs

How often should I visit the dentist for a checkup and cleaning?
Most patients should have dental checkups and cleanings every six months, but your dentist may recommend a different schedule based on your oral health needs.
What technology does Dentistry of Bethesda use for early detection?
We use advanced tools like DIAGNOdent, intraoral cameras, digital X-rays, and VELscope to detect cavities, gum disease, TMJ disorders, and oral cancer early.
Why are professional teeth cleanings necessary if I brush and floss daily?
Professional cleanings remove hardened tartar that cannot be removed by regular brushing and flossing, helping to prevent decay and gum disease.

Experience the Difference

Dentistry of Bethesda provides compassionate, personalized dental care for all members of your family, including those with special needs. Contact Dentistry of Bethesda today at (301) 530-2700 to schedule your consultation. We happily treat patients from Silver Spring, North Bethesda, Rockville, Chevy Chase, Potomac, and the surrounding areas.