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.
That is 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 such appointments.
How Often You Should Go
Most dentists, including ours, agree that you should have your teeth professionally cleaned every 6 months, or twice a year. This accepted standard allows Dr. Paul and our dental hygienists to keep tabs on the health of your teeth and gums.
Now, if you have a history of gum disease or a recent dental issue was found at your last appointment, you may need to visit our Portage dental office more frequently. Every patient is different and our staff can advise you on your teeth cleaning timeline should you deviate from the standard.
Regularly brushing and flossing your teeth on your own is beneficial but does not effectively remove all plaque, tartar, and bacteria buildup. If you want to and cavity formation, specialized dental tools, a trained hygienist, and regular cleanings are all required.
What to Expect
A teeth cleaning is broken down into 4 main stages. Each component of the cleaning process is painless and relatively quick. The tools used will make various sounds but there is nothing to worry about as you are in good hands.
The stages of a teeth cleaning are:
- Oral Examination
- Removal of Plaque and Tartar
- Teeth Polishing
- Flossing
Stage One
Every teeth cleaning will begin with an oral examination of your entire mouth. Our hygienists will visually check your teeth and gums for signs of gingivitis or other potential concerns. During this stage, an oral cancer screening for suspicious lumps or bumps may also occur.
Stage Two
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 normal while this is being done and the more tartar that exists, the more scraping you’ll hear.
Stage Three
With all tartar gone, our hygienists will move onto the third cleaning stage: polishing. 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
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
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, MI, is committed to keeping your teeth healthy and bright with every visit. Call Courtside Dental at (269) 327-1011 to request an appointment.
This blog post has been updated.