At Dr. Steven W. Haywood in Timonium, we want to see each one of our patients for a dental exam every six months. Most of the time we try to get you to schedule your next appointment even as you leave the office from your latest one.
Patients have been known to put off their exams. But there are some very good reasons for seeing us twice a year. Along with daily brushing and flossing, regular exams are the best way to ensure you have good dental health.
The Cleaning
Most appointments begin with a cleaning from the hygienist. During the cleaning we’ll scrape any tartar from your teeth. Tartar is hardened plaque, and you can’t get it off with a toothbrush and floss. That’s one of the reasons brushing twice a day is so important: it helps prevent plaque buildup!
Scraping tartar off of your teeth is known as scaling. Once your teeth are scaled, we’ll polish them with a gritty toothpaste. This is pretty harsh stuff, and it does a fabulous job removing any surface stains on your teeth. Sometimes patients wonder if they can get something like it for use at home. The trouble with that is that it’s just too abrasive to use every day.
After scaling and brushing, the last step is flossing. Then, it’s the dentist’s turn.
The Dental Exam
During dental exam we look for any new cavities that may have appeared since your last visit. We might take X-rays, although this is not done at every visit. We’ll examine your gums, too, for any signs of gum disease.
Finally, we’ll look at your tongue, throat, face and and head, and your neck. We’re checking for swelling or redness, or any signs of cancer.
Regular dental exams at Dr. Steven W. Haywood in Timonium are the best way to make sure you’ve got clean teeth and healthy gums. Our services include general and restorative dentistry. Don’t put off your exam; schedule your next one with us today!
Contact Dr. Steven W. Haywood:
410-453-9399
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
108 W Timonium Rd Ste 200
Timonium, Maryland
21093
