Routine dental exams, professional cleanings are the “heart” of a healthy, harmonious smile

Tooth decay is among one of the most common health conditions affecting children. Likewise, gum disease (or periodontal disease) represents one of the most prevalent conditions affecting adults. Together, dental decay and periodontal disease represent the leading causes of tooth loss. 

Fortunately, at Harmony Smile Dental in Sunnyvale, California, we can prevent these and other oral problems with professional services. These services include routine dental check-ups. During dental check-ups, Dr. Ryan Zhuoran Zhao and our skilled team will: 

  • Conduct a comprehensive exam 
  • Complete a professional cleaning with specialized dental techniques and instruments 
  • Assess the health of the gums 
  • As needed, “stage” or pinpoint the extent of gum disease
  • Detect early signs of decay or gum disease, such as enamel erosion and gingival inflammation (gingivitis)
  • Remove stubborn plaque or tartar, which can’t be removed with a toothbrush and floss
  • Screen for precancers and cancerous lesions
  • Discuss cleaning techniques, nutrition, and make other recommendations specific to your situation
  • Explore and apply professional preventive services; for instance, supplementary fluoride or sealants, to halt the decay process

Dental Exam and Professional Cleaning Q&A

How often do I need to visit your office for check-ups? 

The “standard” rule is that healthy individuals should maintain exams and cleanings once every six months or two times per year. It is suggested that patients at increased risk of developing oral cancer, gum disease, or tooth decay visit us more frequently. We will also closely monitor and follow up with patients who have gum disease to see how the treatment is progressing. 

Why are dental exams important? 

Dr. Zhao’s exams are comprehensive. He can pinpoint “hidden” or early-stage problems affecting the teeth, gums, supportive bone, and other oral structures and tissues. Often, issues such as gingivitis or enamel erosion are asymptomatic early on. Or, the symptoms may be so subtle that patients ignore them and do not take them seriously. 

By the time pain, swelling, bleeding, or other symptoms are noticed, severe damage may be present. Routine exams help us to prevent the pain associated with these conditions and the costly, time-consuming, and invasive procedures that may be necessary to restore a severely damaged tooth.

I brush and floss every day. Why do I need to have my teeth professionally cleaned? 

Great job on consistently brushing and flossing! Home care is crucial to maintaining a healthy mouth. However, you also need to have professional cleanings. Plaque is constantly forming on the teeth. It would be impossible to remove all plaque. As this bacterial film builds up on the teeth, it hardens into tartar. Also known as calculus, tartar is stubborn; it can only be removed with special dental tools and a gentle, skilled hand. 

Our hygienists are skilled at painlessly and thoroughly removing stubborn tartar from the teeth and gum line. They can also advise on ways to make cleaning at home even easier and more effective for you. Plus, professional cleanings remove surface stains and keep your smile looking great and your breath nice and fresh! 

Overdue for your dental visit? Call (408) 738-1000 today to schedule your appointment at Harmony Smile Dental. Or request an appointment on this website. We will see you soon!

Dr. Zhao

Dr. Zhao

Dr. Ryan Zhao, DDS, PhD, the dental specialist at Harmony Smile Dental in Sunnyvale, California, prioritizes preventive care to optimize oral health. With a foundation of trust, compassion, and expertise, Dr. Zhao dedicates quality time to each patient, restoring smiles through state-of-the-art procedures. Holding a DDS from the University of California, San Francisco, and a PhD from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, he remains at the forefront of dentistry as a member of professional organizations. Fluent in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Shanghainese, Dr. Zhao's commitment to personalized care and continuous learning is reflected in his authoritative and trustworthy approach.