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Teeth Cleanings: Essential for a Healthy Smile
Getting your teeth professionally cleaned is about more than just having a bright and shiny smile. Regular cleanings are one of the most important ways to maintain your oral health and prevent future dental problems. During your cleaning, we’ll also give you personalized tips on improving your at-home care, diet, and answer any questions about your dental health.What Is a Teeth Cleaning?
A professional teeth cleaning removes plaque and tartar buildup that your toothbrush can’t eliminate. While brushing and flossing at home are essential, regular visits to our office help catch and prevent common issues like cavities and gum disease. Early detection makes treatment easier, less expensive, and helps you avoid bigger problems in the future.Procedure Overview
Your teeth cleaning appointment generally follows these steps, though it may vary based on your individual needs:
Plaque and Tartar Removal
The hygienist or dentist starts by using a scaler to gently scrape away plaque and hardened tartar. While brushing removes most plaque, any that’s left can harden into tartar, which can only be removed with specialized tools. For more stubborn areas, an ultrasonic scaler may be used to break up the buildup quickly and comfortably.
Polishing
Next, we use a special polisher with a mildly abrasive paste to smooth the surfaces of your teeth and remove stains. This polishing helps prevent future buildup and keeps your smile bright. The tool has a small, spinning rubber cup that gently applies the paste, similar to but more effective than your regular toothpaste.
Rinsing and Suction
Throughout the process, your teeth will be rinsed to clear away debris. A small jet of water flushes out plaque, tartar, and polishing paste, while suction removes excess water and saliva. Occasionally, the dentist may use air to dry certain areas for a closer examination.
Flossing
Finally, we floss your teeth to ensure any remaining particles or paste are removed. This step helps maintain healthy gums and finishes off the cleaning process.
Why Are Regular Teeth Cleanings Important?
- Prevent Cavities: Cleanings help remove the plaque that leads to tooth decay.
- Avoid Gum Disease: Regular cleanings reduce the risk of gum disease, which can cause swelling, bleeding, and even tooth loss if untreated.
- Freshen Your Breath: Removing plaque and tartar improves breath and keeps your mouth feeling clean.
- Maintain Overall Health: Good oral hygiene is linked to better overall health, including reducing the risk of conditions like heart disease.
The Importance of Routine Dental Checkups
We recommend that most patients schedule a teeth cleaning every six months, but the exact frequency may vary based on your individual needs and oral health. During your visit, we can also provide an examination to check for signs of other issues, such as cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer. Staying proactive with your oral health helps you avoid more invasive and costly procedures down the line.
Regular teeth cleanings, combined with good at-home care, are key to a healthy, long-lasting smile. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and keep your teeth in top shape!