Dental Hygiene Specialist
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Kelly Miller Specialty Dentistry
Kelly Miller, DDS, MS
Prosthodontist & Cosmetic Dentist located in Kirkland, WA
Good dental hygiene accomplishes more than just a great smile — it’s an effective preventive tool that allows you to stay one step ahead of your oral health. From cancer screenings to professional cleanings, Kelly Miller, DDS, MS, of Kelly Miller Specialty Dentistry provides patients in Kirkland, Washington, and the greater Seattle area, with the dental care they need to keep them smiling long into the future. To learn more about the dental hygiene services at Kelly Miller Specialty Dentistry, call the practice to schedule an appointment.
Dental Hygiene Q & A
What is covered under dental hygiene?
The primary drivers of tooth loss are tooth decay and gum disease, two dental issues that are at the core of great dental hygiene.
The goal at Kelly Miller Specialty Dentistry is to give you the tools and care you need to avoid dental problems such as these, which can lead to irreparable damage and potentially larger problems.
As your first line of defense, Dr. Kelly offers professional cleanings and dental exams, which go a long way toward keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
Outside of these services, Dr. Kelly also screens for oral cancer, and she performs temporomandibular joint (TMJ) exams. Your TMJs are the joints on either side of your jaw and when there’s a problem with your joints or the muscles attached to your joints, it can lead to pain and headaches.
How often should I have my teeth cleaned and examined?
Dr. Kelly and the American Dental Association recommend that you have your teeth professionally cleaned twice a year. These cleanings are designed to eliminate the plaque and tartar in those hard-to-reach places that your at-home care can’t reach.
As well, if you have gingivitis, which is inflammation in your gums, a professional cleaning is usually all it takes to resolve the issue. This is important because gingivitis is the precursor to gum disease, which can wreak havoc on your teeth and gums and lead to tooth loss.
Dr. Kelly also recommends that you have a dental exam with your biannual cleaning. During this exam, Dr. Kelly may:
- Take X-rays
- Screen for oral cancer
- Check alignment issues
- Address any other issues, such as teeth grinding
Your dental exam is the perfect way to maintain your dental health, giving you something to smile about.
What should I do at home to care for my teeth?
In between your dental cleanings, Dr. Kelly urges you to take good care of your teeth on a daily basis, which includes:
- Brushing at least twice a day
- Flossing once a day
- Rinsing your mouth after meals
These simple steps can prevent plaque buildup, which harbors harmful bacteria that can eat away at your teeth and gums.
To set up your dental hygiene visit at Kelly Miller Specialty Dentistry, call the friendly office staff to request an appointment.
