Routine Cleanings and Prevention in Lafayette, IN
Making sure that your family receives good preventative dental care is the best and most important thing that you can do for your family's oral health. Visiting your dentist regularly for reevaluation appointments is essential. For most patients with healthy gums this interval is twice per year. If you have been treated for gum disease or have gingivitis your dentist may recommend that your reevaluation appointments occur at more frequent intervals.
Reevaluation appointments consist of oral cancer screenings, radiographs when needed for diagnosis, cleaning and polishing, and evaluation of your teeth and gums. We will evaluate your hygiene techniques and make suggestions on how to improve them when needed. Suggestions for modifying your diet to improve your oral health will be reviewed, if tooth decay is present. Preventative measures such as sealants, nightguards, and increased fluoride exposure will be discussed when they are indicated based on oral conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Regular dental cleaning and exam visits are essential for preventing dental problems and maintaining the health of your teeth and gums. You should have your teeth cleaned and and examined at least twice per year. If you have a history of gum disease or a predilection for tartar buildup your dentist may recommend more frequent intervals.
Brushing and flossing of the teeth controls the bacteria (also called plaque) that grow on the teeth and in the gums. If these bacteria are not removed adequately on a reglar basis they will cause tooth decay and gum disease.
It is important that you brush your teeth at least two times per day, in the morning and at night, with a soft bristled toothbrush. It is important that you brush all surfaces of the teeth (inner, outer, and chewing) and that the toothbrush bristles are in contact with the gumline when brushing the outer and inner portions. Electric toohbrushes are recommended as they are more efficient at removing plaque.
Flossing should be done at least once per day, preferrably at night. It is important to curve the floss around each tooth and extend it below the gumline while cleaning the side of each tooth.
If you have any questions about brushing or flossing techniques please ask your hgienist at your next visit.
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Erik Challgren DDS
Dr. Erik is a Lafayette native and graduate of Harrison High School. He received an undergraduate degree in Biology from Indiana University, and then decided to pursue his interest in dentistry by attending the Indiana University School of Dentistry, receiving a dental degree in 2009. He enjoys promoting preventative dentistry, and educating his patients about their dental health. Outside of the office, Dr. Erik enjoys fishing, golfing, and other outdoor activities along with spending time with his wife Shannon, and 3 children- Olivia, Marshall, and Garrett. Dr Erik is a ...