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Scottdale, AZ 85254
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What is The Ideal Frequency of Your Teeth Cleaning?

11/5/2022

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Getting your teeth professionally cleaned is an important part of your efforts to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Professional teeth cleaning is performed by dentists and dental hygienists in conjunction with a comprehensive dental examination.

Regular dental cleanings are recommended by the American Dental Association. Depending on your situation, your dentist may need to see you more frequently if you have a higher risk for gum disease.  Getting your teeth cleaned is crucial to your oral health.

What is the recommended frequency of dental cleanings?

Visiting the dentist for a cleaning every six months is recommended by most dentists. By taking a look at your teeth, your dentist can identify any cavities or gingivitis that need to be treated during this appointment.  Interestingly, there are many experts who have disputed the 6-month standard in recent years. Researchers reported in 2013 that twice-yearly visits don't necessarily lead to statistically significant improvements in dental outcomes.  Many patients benefit from having their teeth cleaned every 3 or 4 months to help maintain their specific oral health needs.

According to the same study, your dental professional should be able to determine the frequency of your dental visits in consultation with you based on your specific risk factors for gum disease (periodontitis) and tooth loss.

It is possible that you are more likely to develop gum disease if you:
  • Have inconsistent home hygiene habits such as brushing or flossing
  • Have health conditions such as Heart Disease or Diabetes
  • Use Tobacco products to include smoking, chewing or vaping
  • Have a genetic predisposition to gum or bone diseases.

There may be many reasons for inequities in healthcare and barriers to access, but the fact remains that regular dentist visits are beneficial to dental health as well as overall health.

How a teeth cleaning works

In general, a professional dental cleaning visit involves the following steps:
An hour is typically sufficient for the whole process. During the procedure, the area around your teeth and gums can be lightly numbed if you have sensitive teeth to improve your comfort.


The cleaning process involves using hand instruments to remove tartar and plaque rom your teeth.  During this step, also known as scaling, your dental hygienist will use special tools to scrape stubborn plaque off the most difficult to reach spots in your mouth. They will also use special flossing tools and techniques to clean the gaps between your teeth.  Ultrasonic instruments can be used to limit the "scraping" required during your cleaning.  Ultrasonic instruments gently use water and vibration to remove the most stubborn buildup on our teeth and can even remove heavy staining that discolors your smile.  

Additionally, you may receive a polishing. A rotating head with dental paste is used by your dental hygienist to give your teeth a shine that will make your teeth feel shiny and smooth.  It is a great feeling to have freshly cleaned teeth!

After a thorough dental cleaning we recommend getting a fluoride treatment to help prevent future cavities. Various fluoride treatments are available, including pastes, gels, and varnishes.

Based on our findings during your cleaning appointment, we also recommend the best products for your situation that can help maintain healthy teeth at home.  It is important to maintain good oral hygiene between dental cleanings in order to keep your teeth healthy. In order to maintain good oral hygiene, you should brush twice a day for two minutes and floss once a day. 

The importance of professional teeth cleaning cannot be overstated. Depending on the condition of your teeth and gums, you should work with your dentist to determine how often this procedure should be performed.

Call us today to schedule your next cleaning at McAdams Dental.  We love helping Phoenix and Scottsdale  patients keep their teeth clean and healthy!  As a wise person once said, you only take care of the teeth you want to keep!
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What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal - 15 Soft Foods

11/5/2022

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Often referred to as third molars, wisdom teeth are the last molars in the mouth. It is typically the last tooth to emerge from the gums, and it grows at the back of your mouth.
Each wisdom tooth is located in the corner of the mouth at the back. Sometimes, impacted wisdom teeth may not have room to erupt into a health position.  In this situation they may need to be removed.  

There are many problems that can be caused by impacted wisdom teeth. These hard to clean teeth may cause infections, gum disease, crowding, and decay.  The removal of wisdom teeth is often the best solution to these concerns. When wisdom teeth are not causing problems, they are often ignored, but if they are likely to cause problems it is best to remove them before you have an emergency.  

In the days and weeks following wisdom tooth extraction, it is extremely important that you get the right nutrition. By providing nourishment, reducing swelling, and reducing complications, a nutritious diet promotes wound healing. 

When you have your wisdom teeth removed, you should stick to a soft diet until you have healed up comfortably.  Soft foods aren't always nutritious and healthy, so we have compiled this list to help you stay nourish and heal quickly!  We recommend these 15 soft foods if you are having trouble deciding what is okay to eat after surgery:

1. Blended soups:  

2. Bone or Vegetable Broth:  

3. Greek yogurt:  

4. Mashed Potatoes:  

5. Scrambled eggs:  

6. Apple Sauce: 

7. Banana mash:  

8. Banana Ice Cream:  During your recovery from wisdom tooth surgery, many people suggest eating ice cream. Ice cream can be soothing for wounds due to its coldness, but it is typically high in sugar and fat.  Substitute Banana Ice Cream for a healthier alternative!

How to Make It
Ingredients
  • Peel 3–4 bananas
  • To make it dairy-free, substitute almond or oat milk for milk
Directions
  1. During the night or for 3–4 hours, place bananas in the freezer.
  2. Bananas should be cut into slices after they have been frozen.
  3. A blender should be filled with frozen bananas and milk.
  4. Combine all ingredients in a blender until smooth and thick.
  5. Enjoy!

9.  Avocado: 


10. Fruit Smoothie (avoid fruits with seeds until the socket closes):

11. Hummus:

12. Cottage Cheese: 

13. Cream of Wheat

14. Mashed Cooked Pumpkin

15. Salmon

Avoid these foods

The wounds in your mouth can be irritated by several types of foods while they're healing.  If you have had your wisdom teeth removed, you should avoid eating the following foods:
  • Pain and irritation may be caused by spicy foods.
  • It may be difficult to heal wounds if you eat crunchy or crumbly foods (like chips or cookies).
  • Seeds and grains can also clog wounds
  • Biting your cheeks, lips, and tongue while your mouth is still numb after surgery can be increased by chewy foods.
  • During the recovery period, alcohol should be avoided as it may irritate the wound or interact with prescribed medications.

When recovering from wisdom tooth removal, you should also avoid using a straw. Dry sockets are more likely to develop when you use a straw because it creates suction in your mouth.

In Summary:  Choose nutrient-rich and soft-textured foods if you just had your wisdom teeth removed.
Foods that are nutrient-rich and soft promote recovery as well as prevent discomfort.  These delicious foods can help you stay nourished and satisfied after wisdom teeth removal if you plan to stock your cupboard with them. For more information visit McAdams Dental.
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11111 N. Scottsdale Road #220
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Call Dr. McAdams:  480-991-4727
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Email us:  smile@mcadamsdental.com