Dental Cleanings
Have you ever wondered why you go to your dentist for regular cleanings or check ups? Surely, brushing and flossing everyday is good enough, right? The truth is, you only have one set of permanent teeth for your entire life. This is why good dental hygiene is crucial in making your smile last. In addition to maintaining a good oral hygiene routine, regular dental cleanings are key in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. The recommended amount for a dental cleaning and checkup is every six months. However, some patients such as those with gum disease or certain health conditions have more frequent cleanings and checkups. Always consult with your dentist to see how regularly you should visit them.
In the past, you might have had a spot that you just couldn’t remove despite brushing and flossing as hard as you can. Often, that difficult spot is known as tartar or calculus. Tartar is plaque that has hardened on your teeth and can only be removed by a dental professional through a cleaning. During a cleaning, your dentist or dental hygienist will use a metal instrument called a scaler to scrape off plaque and tartar found on your teeth and under your gums. In addition, a high-powered electric brush and gritty toothpaste are used to remove stains and polish your teeth, leaving you with a refreshing shiny smile.
Dental Checkups
Alongside dental cleanings, regular dental checkups are crucial in protecting your oral health and smile. Dental check ups are used to prevent tooth decay, gum diseases, and oral cancer. During a dental check up, the dentist will examine your teeth, gums, palettes, throat and neck. These examinations will be used to check for any abnormalities early on when they are easier to treat. Visual examinations using metal instruments such as explorers and probes are also used to check on the quality of your previous dental restorations. In addition, your dentist or hygienist will provide advice so you learn the best ways to care for your oral health after you leave your appointment.
Welcome Smiles’ Cleanings and Checkups
Here at Welcome Smiles, we value our patient’s oral health and smile. In addition to a complete dental exam, our office provides professional dental cleanings with our courteous and knowledgeable registered dental hygienists.
Our complete oral exams include radiographs, oral cancer screening, gum disease evaluation, and examinations of tooth decay and existing restorations. Radiographs are used by our dentist to detect decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. A velscope and visual examination by our dentists will be done to detect any signs of oral cancer. Special dental instruments will be used to check your gums, bones, tooth surfaces, and previous restorations.
For our cleaning appointments, they include removal of tartar and plaque and teeth polishing. Gentle professional polishing and flossing will be done to remove stain on your teeth leaving you with a clean, bright smile after your visit. Our Welcome Smiles staff are more than happy to give you instructions for how to keep your smile healthy. As always, professional help is always recommended when it comes to something as important as your beautiful smile.
If you have any questions or concerns, we are here to help! Reach out to us at (508) 832-3205 or conveniently schedule an appointment through our website. Don’t forget to check out our engaging content on Instagram and Facebook by following us @WelcomeSmiles!
Tags: Dental cleaning, Complete dental exam, Home dental care education, General dentistry, Preventative dentistry