Teeth Cleaning All patients should come in for regular cleanings and examinations at least twice a year. The recommendation by the American Dental Association recommends all patients have two dental cleanings a year, regardless of their age. When cleanings are done with regularity it helps the oral cavity health. When done in concert with twice daily flossing and brushing, it can help to maintain a high degree of dental health. This is important not just for the oral cavity but for the body's overall health as well. Many people fail to realize that oral cavity health is directly linked to the body's health. When the oral cavity health suffers so can the overall medical health of the entire body. It could lead to potentially life-threatening health risks such as diabetes, stroke, arthritis, and even heart disease. How Important Are Teeth Cleanings?Patients who brush and floss and take care of their teeth at least twice a day help to keep the dangerous bacteria found in the mouth at manageable levels. It helps to remove these bacteria from the surfaces of the gums and teeth, and helps to prevent the development of tooth decay or periodontal disease. This is why a professional dental cleaning is important too. It provides an even deeper cleaning of the patient's mouth. During a dental cleaning, we thoroughly remove the bacteria, tartar, and plaque from all tooth surfaces. The teeth are also polished to remove any staining evident during the cleaning. By keeping the mouth as healthy as possible, it greatly minimizes the chances of developing periodontal disease. While we are cleaning the patient's teeth, we will also look for any shift in the oral pathology. We look for abscesses, discharge along the gum line, soft tissue damage, or ulcers. At that time, we will also do a visual inspection for any potential signs of oral cancer. What Happens During a Cleaning?Cleanings typically take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes and should become a regular part of the patient's oral cavity care. We will update our records and make notes of any areas in need of monitoring for the next appointment. We will use a scaler which scrapes away tartar and bacteria, as well as plaque. We do this to the visible areas of the teeth as well as the areas beneath the gumline. Once completed, we will use a gritty toothpaste to brush away any stubborn stains to brighten the tooth enamel. During your cleaning, we will provide a fluoride treatment to help strengthen tooth enamel against decay. We may also take x-rays to check for any oral health changes. If additional procedures are warranted, we will make a recommendation at that time. For those patients who want to find out more about our cleaning procedures or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Brian K. Dennis, DDS at 505-292-1051. |
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