Dental Cleanings Specialist

Do I really need professional cleanings?

Yes, you really do need professional cleanings with the trusted team at Comprehensive Family Dentistry. Even if you take good care of your teeth, you are still likely missing some bacteria that can accumulate below your gumline.

A professional cleaning is the only way to make sure you keep your teeth and gums as healthy and clean as possible.

What does a cleaning involve?

At Comprehensive Family Dentistry, here’s what a thorough cleaning typically involves:

Comprehensive dental exam

In a dental exam, your dentist evaluates your teeth and gums for signs of decay, periodontal disease, abnormal growths, and any other problems.

Removing plaque and tartar

Using a small scaler, your dentist or dental hygienist will scrape around your gum line to remove plaque and tartar, which gets created from food-related bacteria in your mouth.

Deep cleaning

This involves using a high-powered electric toothbrush to clean your teeth once they’re free of plaque and tartar.

Flossing

Strategic, expert flossing will remove any plaque or tartar that may be remaining.

Then, after you rinse, you may undergo a fluoride treatment. During a fluoride treatment, you bite down gently on a flavored, fluoride-lined tray for a minute or two. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that promotes strong, healthy teeth.

Why are cleanings important?

Without regular cleanings, plaque can build up in and around your teeth. As plaque builds up, it can lead to infections of your gum tissue. When gum tissue becomes infected, its function as a connective tissue suffers, and your teeth can become loose and suffer from decay. Cleanings help combat all of this by getting rid of the plaque you can’t remove at home.

Also, since your oral health is closely linked to your overall health, cleanings are good for your entire body. Dental problems, such as decay and gum disease, are tied to serious health conditions, most notably heart disease and stroke. So having regular cleanings can limit your risk of some of these deadly conditions.

Lastly, cleanings can help you stay out in front of serious dental problems. That means cleanings can save you from costly dental procedures in the future.

How often do I need to come in for a cleaning?

The team at Comprehensive Family Dentistry recommends coming in for a cleaning every six months unless told otherwise. Your dentist may suggest coming in more frequently, such as every four months, depending on factors, including:

• Your age
• If you smoke or chew tobacco
• Your medical history
• If you’ve had a recent dental procedure
  

If it’s time for you to schedule your next cleaning and dental exam, book an appointment online or over the phone with Comprehensive Family Dentistry today.