What is dental cleaning?
A dental cleaning is a preventive oral health measure used to eradicate plaque, tartar, and food particles from your teeth and gums. Regularly brushing and flossing your teeth can go a long way toward preventing tooth decay and gum disease, but professional dental cleanings go a step further.
Additionally, dental cleanings present an opportunity for you to build a relationship with your dentist. You can ask questions, discuss concerns, and learn about potentially serious health problems early on, when they’re most responsive to treatment.
How often should I go in for a dental cleaning?
The team at Westside Dentistry recommends scheduling a professional dental cleaning once every six months. Dental cleanings are simple, painless, and preserve your oral and physical health.
Even if your teeth and gums feel fine, it’s important to get regular dental cleanings. Problems like gum disease and tooth decay don’t always present obvious symptoms in their early stages.
What happens during a dental cleaning?
All dental cleanings follow the same basic process.
Oral exam
The first step of a dental cleaning is an oral exam. During an oral exam, your dental hygienist uses a small, circular mirror to look for signs of inflammation, tooth decay, or other oral health concerns.
Plaque and tartar removal
Following an oral exam, your dental hygienist performs plaque and tartar removal. This involves your dental hygienist using a metal tool called a scaler to eradicate plaque from the surface of your teeth and beneath your gum line.
Professional cleaning
After removing all of the plaque and tartar from your teeth, your hygienist uses a gritty toothpaste to brush and polish them. This provides a deep clean and removes any plaque left behind from the scaling.
Professional flossing
After cleaning your teeth, your hygienist flosses your teeth. Flossing massages your gums and removes any remaining plaque or food particles from the interproximal areas between your teeth. Afterward, your hygienist rinses out your mouth.
Dentist overview
Last but not least, your dentist conducts an oral exam. Depending on your individual needs, they might also order a series of oral X-rays.
How do I preserve the benefits of a dental cleaning?
In between dental cleanings, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene. The team at Westside Dentistry recommends brushing your teeth twice every day, flossing your teeth at least once a day, and avoiding bad habits like using tobacco and biting your fingernails.
You can also lower your risk of tooth decay and other common problems by eating a healthy, balanced diet and avoiding sugary beverages like soda and energy drinks.
Don’t wait to schedule your next dental cleaning. Request an appointment at Westside Dentistry today by calling the office or using the online booking tool.
