It may sound crazy to go to the dentist if your teeth feel fine, but having a professional dental cleaning has several benefits you might not be aware of.

Questions and History

First, the hygienist is going to ask you some questions about your brushing and flossing habits and your dental history. This will allow him or her to get an idea of how your teeth are cared for, and it’s a good time for you to check in with yourself. Are you flossing as often as should? Has it been too long since you’ve replaced your toothbrush? Are you using the best kind of toothbrush for your teeth and gums? These are questions that can get answered in your conversation with the hygienist.

Periodontal Charting

Second, the hygienist is going to take measurements of your teeth and gums. This is called periodontal charting, and it’s a way of tracking gum recession. Gum recession can indicate teeth grinding, periodontal disease, and other conditions, so it’s a good idea to have a chart to track any issues. If the hygienist has an assistant, he or she will probe and measure your gum line, calling out measurements in millimeters to the assistant. Numbers between 0-3 millimeters mean your gums are healthy. Numbers between 3-5 are not cause for alarm unless there is bleeding, but numbers over 3 often indicate that your home brushing and flossing routine could be improved. Numbers of 5 or higher indicate oral health issues.

X-Rays

Third, you may be asked if x-rays can be taken. X-rays can reveal a variety of dental issues. There are two common types of x-rays. Bite-wing x-rays are done by having you bite down on a cardboard tab while the x-ray is directed at the corresponding side of your mouth. That process is repeated until four different x-rays have been taken. Another type of dental x-ray is panoramic. This x-ray provides a full mouth view in one image.

Cleaning and Flossing

Lastly, it’s time for your cleaning, or what’s known by those in the dental world as prophylaxis. The hygienist will use metal instruments to remove any deposits. He or she will frequently flush your mouth with water throughout this process and use a suction tool to remove the water and debris from your mouth. After any deposits are removed, the hygienist will use a motorized toothbrush to polish the teeth. As the final step of the process, the hygienist will give you a good flossing then send you on your way with some goodies like toothpaste, floss, and a toothbrush.

The order of these steps may vary somewhat, but generally, this is what you can expect from your hygienist and a routine professional dental cleaning. At Mountain View Dental, their friendly staff and comfortable office will make the experience as smooth as possible. Visit their website at https://www.smilemountainview.com/ or call to schedule your cleaning today.

Getting dental insurance is a smart way toward taking good care of your oral and dental health and making it more affordable. At Mountain View Dental, we want our patients to understand some important facts about this type of dental insurance so that they can get the right policy for their needs and take full advantage of the benefits.

What It Covers

No dental insurance plan covers all of the expenses associated with having dental procedures done. Most policies do cover such routine work as diagnostic X-rays and regular cleanings. More complex and extensive procedures such as dental implants and root canals are not fully covered, so patients may have some out of pocket expenses.

How Coverage Varies

Before deciding on a policy, investigate what the limit is for office visits, X-rays and other forms of treatment. Find out what the deductible is, meaning the amount you are expected to pay upfront. Find out what the waiting period is after obtaining the policy in order to begin any form of dental treatment. Coverage for children often differs from plans targeted at adults.

Low Premiums Aren’t Necessarily the Best

When it comes to dental insurance, lower premiums usually means fewer treatment options are covered. Or one form of treatment, such as amalgam fillings rather than white fillings, may be your only option. If you pay a bit more in premiums, you usually also have less out of pocket expenses for office visits.

Annual Maximum Limits

Most dental insurance plans allow for coverage during the plan year up to a certain maximum amount, so you should know what that amount is, especially if you anticipate having more extensive and expensive procedures done beyond the annual check-up, X-rays and cleaning. Go shopping for dental plans in order to compare what benefits each offers for the amount of premium you will be paying. When looking for insurance for children, check to see that treatments such as braces are included and to what extent.

What Dentist You Can See

Some dental plans insist that you use their plan’s list of preferred dental providers rather than a dentist of your own choosing. Be aware that if you choose your own dentist rather than one recommended by your dental plan, you’re likely to pay more for dental coverage because their preferred providers usually charge lower rates for their services.

What About Pre-Existing Conditions

Check to make sure that the dental plan you select covers the continuation of any work you need to have finished, or if it excludes treatment on crowns, bridges, and dentures that are less than a few years old.

The caring and experienced dental professionals at Mountain View Dental in Pleasant View want you to get the most advantages by selecting the right dental insurance plan for you and your family’s needs. Our staff will do everything possible to make you feel welcome and comfortable when you come in for treatment of any kind. If it’s been a while since you’ve taken care of your teeth, call us to schedule an initial consultation and we will be happy to answer your questions.

Having tooth sensitivity can be a pain to deal with day after day. Feeling that instant pain after drinking something cold or hot, eating something sugary, or just having the cold wind hit your teeth can cause your teeth to throb and sting.

In most cases, tooth sensitivity is caused by the enamel over the tooth wearing down. Consequently, the dentin, which is full of nerve endings, is exposed. This dentin is full of sensitive nerve endings. The result makes your teeth overly sensitive.

Below are some tooth sensitivity treatments you can try at home to relieve the pain and sensitivity. Of course, it is always wise to consult your dentist office if you have concerns or no relief.

Tooth Sensitivity Toothpastes

There are several brands of toothpaste on the market to help with sensitive teeth. These contain potassium nitrate, which blocks the tubes in the dentin. Sensitive toothpaste requires continual use to work effectively.

Brushing Habits

If you have sensitive teeth, you should use a soft toothbrush and be cautious not to brush too hard. Brushing vigorously wears the enamel off your teeth causing sensitivity. If your gums recede, or if you have any bone loss, you are probably brushing the cementum. The cementum protects the tooth at the root, but it wears away quicker then enamel. By changing a few of your brushing habits, you can relieve the sensitivity.

Food and Drinks

Avoiding highly acidic food and drinks will help with sensitivity. Pickles, oranges, fruit juices and red wine are highly acidic. Brushing 20 minutes after consuming any highly acidic food or drinks will help. Even if you do not notice a sensitivity to acidic foods and drinks, be careful about consuming them, as loss of enamel is permanent.

Grinding Teeth

Some people grind their teeth when they are sleeping, and some grind them when they are tense or stressed. Most people are completely unaware when they are grinding their teeth. Most do it in their sleep, but a pain in the jaw or continual headaches can be a sign of grinding teeth. Wearing a mouth guard while you sleep often helps, or just changing sleep positions can help. During the day, if you are tense and notice yourself clenching your teeth, try to relax and open your jaw slightly.

Sensitivity in your teeth can be caused by other problems as well, which is why you should always talk to your dentist at Mountain View Dental. Their professional office can help answer your questions, make you feel comfortable, and find the best tooth sensitivity treatments for your problem. Call Mountain View Dental office in Pleasant View today to discuss your concerns and schedule your appointment, or visit them at https://www.smilemountainview.com/.

Monday	8 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday	8 AM - 7 PM
Wednesday	8 AM - 7 PM
Thursday	8 AM - 7 PM
Friday	8 AM - 3 PM
Saturday	8 AM - 12 PM
Sunday	Closed