A teeth cleaning is an essential way to protect your oral health. Visiting your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and comprehensive exam has many benefits, including a reduced risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Some patients may be concerned about their comfort during a dental cleaning. Teeth cleaning should not hurt unless your gums are already tender and irritated. If you experience discomfort, let your hygienist know.
Why Teeth Cleaning is Important
Visiting the dentist twice yearly for teeth cleaning is essential to oral and physical health. Here are a few examples of how this simple procedure can pay off:
Prevents Tooth Loss
Teeth cleaning removes plaque and tartar that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. When these conditions are uncontrolled, they can eventually lead to tooth loss.
Saves Money Over Time
A professional tooth cleaning preserves your oral health and can save you money in the long run. Routine appointments for teeth cleaning and examinations allow your dentist to catch problems at earlier stages when they are less complex and less expensive to treat.
Oral Health Influences Physical Health
Dentists do not separate oral and physical health. Oral health influences physical health in ways researchers are only beginning to understand. For example, scientists link chronic inflammation caused by gum disease to cardiac problems, immune system issues, Type 2 diabetes, and preterm birth.
How Teeth Cleaning Works
Teeth cleaning is a gentle procedure. If you have any concerns before your hygienist begins your cleaning, share them.
The first step in teeth cleaning is a full examination. The hygienist will check your mouth, gums, and teeth for potential problems the dentist may need to address.
Next, the dentist or hygienist scales your teeth with a hand instrument. Some patients with irritated gums or existing gum disease find this procedure uncomfortable. As your oral health improves over time, scaling will become easier.
The next step is polishing. The dentist or hygienist uses a cleaning attachment to gently remove plaque and surface stains with a special gritty toothpaste.
Your dentist or hygienist may give you preventive treatments like fluoride. Fluoride treatments can significantly reduce your risk of tooth decay by hardening and remineralizing your enamel.
The dentist will comprehensively examine you for signs of decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. Most dentists recommend screening X-rays once yearly to look for cavities and other issues.
Who Should Have Their Teeth Cleaned
Everyone over 12 months old needs to see a dentist twice yearly for professional cleaning. Today, dentists encourage parents to bring their babies to the dentist shortly after their first tooth appears. A consistent dental visit schedule throughout your lifetime can prevent and control oral health problems.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Cleaning
I'm nervous because I haven't been to the dentist in a long time. Can I get my teeth cleaned?
Yes, we welcome anxious patients in our office. We will do our best to get your oral health back on track.
If I have gum disease, how often must I have my teeth cleaned?
Depending on the gum disease stage, your dentist will decide how often you should visit the office for a deep cleaning. Many patients see the dentist three to four times per year.
Call Oak Road Dentistry
If you have delayed receiving dental care, you may feel anxious about a teeth cleaning appointment and whether it will be painful. Your dentist or hygienist can answer all your questions and consider your comfort when providing treatment.
Please call Oak Road Dentistry's Snellville, GA, office at 770-985-9559 to schedule an appointment with one of our caring dentists today.