What Is a Dental Cleaning?
Dental cleanings as part of a regular dental checkup are essential to your dental health and overall physical and mental health. Regular dental cleanings and oral maintenance are vital keys to prevent tooth loss, infection, and disease.
A professional dental cleaning performed at least twice each year can maintain and even improve your oral health. Typically your dentist will schedule an appointment with you every six months. By checking your dental health twice per year, your dentist is better able to follow behind your daily brushing to remove any plaque and catch any dental problems early.
At Peace Haven Family Dentistry, we may perform the following preventive services during a regular dental cleaning:
- Remove plaque and tartar
- Reduce staining
- Apply fluoride
- Apply sealants (when needed)
- Polish teeth, including fillings and crowns
- Clean and adjust dentures and partial dentures
In addition, your dentist may also perform the following services during your dental check-up:
- Review & update medical history
- Screen for oral cancer
- Assess gum tissue health
- Check biting, chewing, and swallowing patterns
- Utilize X-rays as needed
- Refer to a specialist if needed
Why Dental Cleanings Are Important
Most people think that their oral health is separate from the rest of their body. The truth is that your mouth is just as integral a part of your body as your heart and lungs. Problems that arise in your mouth, such as periodontal disease (gum disease), can sometimes lead to other disease in your body—including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
During your dental cleaning, your Peace Haven dental hygienist will remove any buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth. It’s natural for plaque and tartar to accumulate on your teeth through everyday eating and drinking habits. If not kept in check, buildup can lead to gum disease and cavities.
When plaque and tartar build up on your teeth, your body and immune system react by “fighting” it off. A dental cleaning wipes the slate clean and leaves your mouth clean and fresh. Without a regularly scheduled dental cleaning, that tartar and plaque buildup can lead to periodontal disease (gum disease). As the gum disease progresses, the bone and tissues in your mouth begin to be affected.
What Can I Expect During a Dental Cleaning?
Most people find a dental cleaning to be easy and even relaxing.
Before we begin a dental cleaning, your dental hygienist will perform a quick exam to check on the overall health of your mouth. If there are any issues, we’ll bring it to your attention.
Next your dental hygienist will use a small mirror and a few dental tools like scalers and curettes to remove any hard buildup of plaque or tartar on your teeth. Sometimes the hygienist uses an ultrasonic scaler to remove any buildup.
After all buildup has been removed, your dental hygienist will use a special electric toothbrush to apply a fluoride paste to your teeth. The gritty consistency of the paste will gently scrub your teeth. Once all of your teeth have been cleaned, you will be able to rinse your mouth.
Finally, your dental hygienist will floss your teeth to remove any particles that may be trapped in between your teeth or along your gum line. You should be doing the same type of flossing every day. This is also the perfect time during your visit to ask about proper flossing techniques. We’ll be happy to help ensure that you’re flossing properly at home.
Call Peace Haven Family Dentistry Today to schedule your next Dental Cleaning.
We look forward to seeing you!