Dental Cleaning & Consultation
Preventative care is a foundational element of effective dentistry. The American Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist regularly—usually twice per year—for routine dental cleanings, examinations of the teeth and gums, and consultations for potential treatment.
Professional teeth cleanings help remove built-up plaque and tartar that is not removable using conventional brushing and flossing. Often, a dental exam provides an opportunity for your dentist to identify potential problems that you haven’t even noticed yet.
By maintaining your routine dental cleaning appointments, you can help prevent oral health issues like tooth decay and gum disease, as well as identify the beginnings of other issues before they become severe.
Unfortunately, Americans are less likely to visit the dentist as they age. Even if it’s been a while since your last teeth cleaning, it’s important to schedule an appointment with a high-quality dental practice so that you can get caught up on your routine cleaning, update your X-rays, and identify any oral health problems that may affect your general well-being.
What to Expect During a Routine Dental Cleaning
Your teeth cleaning and consultation will consist of a visual examination of the teeth and gums, first by a dental hygienist and then by one of our dentists.
During this examination, you can expect your dental hygienist to remove plaque and tartar that has collected on your teeth and around your gum line. He or she will use a small mirror to inspect and clean your mouth before polishing your teeth. At the end of your checkup, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss any significant findings from your exam, such as cavities, gingivitis, or signs of infection.
If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, you may need to update your X-rays for a more comprehensive view of your teeth. You’ll also consult with Comprehensive Dentistry about any other dental services that may benefit you.
The Importance of a Professional Teeth Cleaning
When it comes to healthy teeth, there’s really no substitute for deep dental cleanings. A dental professional not only performs basic dental exams for their patients: They can also conduct an oral cancer screening, treat gum disease, help prevent tooth loss, and evaluate the need for restorative dentistry.
Even if you brush and floss after every meal and before bed, bacteria- harboring dental plaque can accumulate in the tiniest crevices, grooves, and pits of your teeth. Over time, the teeth will begin to decay in those areas, which may result in pain and partial or total tooth loss. A regular schedule for deep dental cleaning can help greatly in the prevention of these types of problems and improve your overall dental hygiene.
Caring for Your Teeth Between Dental Cleanings
Between dental cleanings and consultations, be sure to maintain good oral habits at home. This includes daily flossing and brushing after meals. It’s also important to drink fluoridated water and use a fluoridated toothpaste.
Inconsistent cleanings at home typically results in bleeding gums at the dentist’s office, not to mention increased decay-causing bacteria in the mouth and a higher risk of gum disease and other oral health issues.
Visit Us at Comprehensive Dentistry for Your Next Appointment
Whether you’re one of our current patients or looking to become a patient for the first time, our practice is ready to treat you like family from the moment you walk in the door.
The first step to achieving the beautiful, healthy smile you want is to contact our office and make an appointment. Even if it’s been years since you had a regular schedule for your deep cleanings, the process of starting again is as easy as making a phone call. Reach out to us today and we’ll find a convenient time to help you get on the road to optimal dental health!