Teeth Hygiene & Cleaning in Shreveport

Many people should visit a dentist twice a year for a dental check-up. Our dentist in Shreveport will examine your teeth and gums for any signs of tooth decay, gingivitis, and other oral health issues. A dental hygienist will begin cleaning your teeth by scraping hard mineral buildup (tartar) off your teeth with a small metal tool. Then the hygienist will floss your teeth using a polishing compound and apply fluoride. Cleanings usually aren’t painful.

Occasionally we take X-rays that take only a few minutes. When Dr. Mott or a technician, have you put on a heavy apron to shield your body from X-rays? Everyone in the room will wear a protective apron or step behind a protective shield. We will have you bite down on a small piece of plastic to help align the teeth properly for the machine. This process is repeated several times to get pictures of your teeth from different angles.

If needed, Dr. Mott will put a sealant on the chewing surface of your molars to help prevent cavities. Sealants keep food and bacteria from getting stuck in the rough chewing surfaces or grooves of your teeth to protect your teeth from plaque. We may apply a fluoride solution directly to your teeth to help prevent tooth decay or, in some cases, a series of fluoride applications.

If you are prone to infections & they are particularly dangerous for you, you might have to take antibiotics before the dentist begins the procedure. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about the need for antibiotics. You may need to take antibiotics in case you:

• Have specific heart problems that make it dangerous for you to get a heart infection called endocarditis.
• Have an impaired immune system.
• Have recent major surgeries or have artificial body parts, such as an artificial hip or heart valve.

Dr. Mott or our hygienist may ask you about the foods you consume. What you eat and whether you get enough vitamins and minerals affects your dental health.

If your teeth and gums appear healthy, our dentist in Shreveport may recommend that you continue your usual brushing and flossing. Dr. Mott may recommend antibiotics, special mouthwashes, or other dental treatments in severe cases. If you have active tooth decay or gum disease, we will talk to you about changing your brushing or flossing habits.