General Dentistry

General Dentist Hilo, HI

General Dentistry: The Importance of Teeth Cleaning and Regular Dental Checkups

Taking care of your teeth is vital. Without proper care, you could suffer from toothaches, mouth infections, gum disease, and various other conditions. Even with good oral hygiene, you may experience various dental issues. 

Fortunately, your Hilo, HI dentist can keep an eye out for potential problems during your regularly scheduled teeth cleanings and checkups. It’s best to visit your Hilo dentist at least twice a year. Depending on your condition and oral health, your dentist may recommend more frequent checkups. He or she may also provide advice for improving your oral health at home. Either way, when it comes to oral health, time is of the essence. Dr. Garret Uehara or Dr. Jill Uehara at Island Ohana Dental will perform a thorough dental exam to evaluate the health of your teeth and gums and check for any possible issues.

Oral Health Checkups Can Prevent Serious Dental Diseases and Conditions

beautiful dark haired woman smiling, sitting in dental chair, family dentist Hilo, HI

Many dental issues are relatively easy to treat if caught early, like periodontitis or gum disease. In the early stages, this condition is known as gingivitis. You may notice that your gums are bleeding while brushing your teeth if you're suffering from gingivitis. If treated early enough with thorough brushing, gingivitis will often clear up with no permanent damage and no need for invasive treatment.

However, if your gingivitis goes untreated and advances to a more severe case of periodontitis, you may suffer permanent gum loss. You may have to use gum grafting to replace the lost tissue. Further, you may also experience tooth loss and may end up needing dental implants and crowns, or a similar solution.

Time is essential for many other diseases and conditions as well. For example, if your oral hygienist or dentist in Hilo, HI notices excessive plaque on your teeth, removing it now and helping you prevent plaque and tartar buildups may prevent cavities and the often necessary drilling and filling that comes with them.

Regular Teeth Cleaning to Remove Plaque and Tartar

Tartar and plaque are also serious issues. Plaque is a soft, sticky film that forms on your teeth and under your gums. This plaque consists of millions of bacteria, which produce acids that can damage your teeth and cause cavities. With proper brushing, you can remove plaque.

If plaque is allowed to fester, however, it’ll form into hardened tartar. This tartar is extremely difficult to remove and is best left to a professional, such as a dentist or oral hygienist. Tartar may contribute to not just cavities, but also discoloration, gum disease, and other issues.

When was the last time you saw your Hilo, HI dentist? Regular dental checkups and cleanings are vital to maintaining good oral health. Call Island Ohana Dental today at (808) 935-4800 to learn more or schedule an appointment!

Our Location

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Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Friday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Saturday:

7:30 am-2:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Our Happy Clients

Here’s what our happy clients are saying:

  • "Dr. Garrett and his staff are great. He carefully explains everything to you in detail. I never met someone that genuinely cares about their patients. He and his sister’s make your visit to the dentist as painless as possible. I always hated going to the dentist as a child. However I would recommend going to visit Dr. Garrett and his staff."
    Edmund
  • "Seriously the BEST dentist I have ever been to. A very friendly and knowledgeable staff and relaxing atmosphere."
    Galen
  • "The front desk staff is AMAZING. I always get a reminder call 2 days before my appointment. How wonderful is this? All the staff at Uehara Family Cosmestic Dentistry are friendly, helpful, and just always smiling."
    Annie
  • "I’m honored to be able to be the first one to review this place! After months and months of searching, I was finally able to find the best dentist ever! I go to Dr. Jill, but all of the dentists here are wonderful, as I have been worked on them at one time or another because of days of availability or emergencies, or what have you. First things first, my favorite hygenist (I believe her name is Tess) is the best dental hygenist I have ever had! She is sweet, low-key, and always does a phenomenal job!"
    Anonymous