When is the last time you had a tooth cleaning? Professional dental cleanings are an integral part of evaluating oral health and preventing disease. Every person should receive two dental cleanings a year, spaced apart every six months. Our family dentist strives to prevent disease with comfortable, non-invasive treatments such as a tooth cleaning.
Why should I have a professional tooth cleaning?
You should have a dental cleaning for many reasons. First, cleanings remove all surface debris from teeth and the gum line. Harmful substances such as tartar that contribute to disease are gently removed from the surfaces of teeth and along the gingiva. Removing debris and tartar accumulation helps keep teeth and gums healthy and free of irritating agents that contribute to disease.
In addition to enjoying an impeccably clean mouth, cleanings give our family dentist an opportunity to check on your gum health and determine if there are any areas of your oral hygiene routine that are falling short of our expectations. Our team is happy to provide oral health education including instruction on effective oral hygiene practices.
What happens during a dental cleaning?
Our team will do all the work while our guests lie back comfortably in our plush examination chairs. Using handheld dental instruments, the hygienist will gently scrape off tartar and plaque. The biting surfaces and sides of teeth are scraped and polished thoroughly – including hard-to-reach areas between teeth and along the gums. After a cleaning is complete, the mouth will feel incredibly clean.
Why isn’t brushing and flossing enough?
Even though twice-a-year cleanings are essential to maintaining optimal oral health, they are not a replacement for home care. Similarly, home care is not a replacement for dental cleanings. This is because brushing and flossing – while absolutely necessary – are not enough for keeping the accumulation of harmful substances at bay. Tartar can form in as little as a day or two, and tartar cannot be removed with brushing or flossing. It must be gently removed with clinical instruments.
If it’s time for a cleaning, call our team at DeSanti & Linden Dentistry to schedule an appointment with our family dentist.