Why Teeth Cleanings Are Necessary
Rarely do people look forward to having their teeth cleaned. However, it is something that we all must do if we want to maintain a healthy mouth. Yes, even if you practice perfect oral hygiene at home, there still exists multiple reasons for you to see our Portage family dentist because a professional teeth cleaning goes beyond what you can accomplish alone with brushing and flossing.
Here’s what you need to know regarding how many times it’s recommended you receive a in a year, what you can generally expect, and the overall importance of preventive dentistry.
How Often You Should Go
Most dentists, including ours, recommend scheduling teeth cleanings every 6 months, or twice a year. This widely accepted standard allows Dr. Paul and our skilled dental hygienists to monitor the health of your teeth and gums, catching any potential problems early before they develop into more serious issues.
For some patients, however, the twice-a-year schedule may need adjusting. If you have a history of gum disease, such as gingivitis or periodontitis, more frequent visits may be necessary to manage the condition and prevent progression. Similarly, if a recent dental exam uncovered a concern—such as a cavity, early signs of enamel erosion, or increased tartar buildup—our team may recommend a shorter interval between cleanings. Every patient’s oral health is unique, so we’ll evaluate your oral health and recommend a cleaning schedule tailored to your individual needs.
Read More → 5 Ways to Prevent Gum Disease
While maintaining a consistent at-home oral hygiene routine is essential, it’s often not enough to remove all plaque, tartar, and bacteria, especially in hard-to-reach areas. Over time, these deposits can lead to tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease if left untreated. Professional cleanings inside our Portage, MI, dental office use advanced tools and techniques to thoroughly clean your teeth, remove harmful buildup, and polish your enamel for a smoother, healthier finish.
What to Expect for Your Cleaning
A teeth cleaning is broken down into 4 main stages. Each component of the is painless and relatively quick. The tools used will make various sounds but this is perfectly normal and you are in good hands.
Stage One: Oral Examination
Every teeth cleaning will begin with a close look at your entire mouth. Our hygienists will visually check your teeth and gums for or other potential concerns. During this stage, an oral cancer screening for suspicious lumps or bumps may also occur.
Stage Two: Removal of Plaque and Tartar
Next, our hygienists will use a small tool called a scaler to carefully remove plaque and hardened tartar from around the gum line and in between your teeth. Scraping is to be expected while this is being done and the more tartar that exists, the more scraping you’ll hear.
Stage Three: Teeth Polishing
With all tartar gone, our hygienists will move onto the polishing stage. A high-powered electric brush coated in gritty toothpaste is used to deep clean and remove any left behind tartar. The gritty consistency helps to gently scrub your teeth and is safe when used by a professional.
Stage Four: Flossing
The final stage of a teeth cleaning consists of a flossing session. Our hygienists will expertly floss between your teeth and identify potential bleeding spots as they move throughout your mouth. Any plaque or toothpaste left over is removed at this time.
The Importance of Teeth Cleanings
Prevention is our primary mission here at Courtside Dental. We want all of our patients to enjoy healthy teeth and gums for life and regular cleanings directly play into that. In short, teeth cleanings rid your mouth of cavity causing plaque, prevent costly dental problems from arising, and protect you from tooth loss.
Schedule a Professional Cleaning Today
Staying up to date with your teeth cleanings will benefit you in the long run. Our dentist in Portage serving Greater Kalamazoo, MI, is committed to keeping your teeth healthy and bright with every visit. Call Courtside Dental today at (269) 327-1011 to request an appointment.
This blog post has been updated.