Look Forward to Your Dental Visit!
Personalized care for you and your smile.
Going to the dentist twice a year for routine dental exams and professional cleanings isn’t always a priority for busy families, but it should be. Having your mouth examined and cleaned by a professional can make a significant difference in the overall health, comfort, and beauty of your most prized possession: your smile. If it’s been a while since you’ve had your teeth professionally cleaned, don’t put it off any longer. Taking the time to care for your mouth by thoroughly brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist every six months for routine check-ups and cleanings is the best way to keep your smile healthy for a lifetime. Dr. Gould and the friendly team at Trail West Family Dentistry are committed to making caring for your family’s teeth as comfortable and convenient as possible. Here’s what you should know before scheduling a dental cleaning at Trail West Family Dentistry.
Is a Dental Cleaning the Same as a Dental Exam?
Since dental cleanings usually follow immediately after a regular dental exam, many people don’t realize that they are two separate procedures. During a dental exam:
- X-rays of your mouth will be taken to show Dr. Gould what is happening beneath the surface of your gums and teeth.
- Gould will examine your mouth, checking for any signs of disease, such as cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer.
- Gould will recommend how you should best care for your mouth, as well as discuss any procedures needed to restore the health of your mouth.
Once your dental exam is complete, a dental hygienist will proceed with your professional teeth cleaning. This consists of:
- Checking the condition of your gums
- Using special tools to carefully scrape tartar and plaque build-up from your teeth’s surface
- Flossing between your teeth
- Polishing your teeth with a fluoride paste
You can expect your dental cleaning to take about 45 minutes, but the length will depend on the overall health of your teeth. Additionally, professional teeth cleanings are pain-free for most patients. If you are uncomfortable during your procedure, however, be sure to let the dental hygienist know.
Why Are Dental Cleaning Important?
Dental cleanings are a vital part of preventative dental care and essential to keeping your teeth and gums healthy and strong. When you skip your routine dental cleanings, you are putting your mouth at risk of developing oral health problems that could carry disease to other parts of your body, especially your cardiovascular system. Even though your teeth may appear to be in good condition to you, dental cleanings are vital to remove the sticky plaque that can cause oral health concerns, such as gingivitis.
How Much Does a Dental Cleaning Cost?
Most dental insurance plans cover routine dental cleanings. Contact our office for more information on what exactly your dental insurance plan provides.
How Often Should I Get My Teeth Cleaned?
The American Dental Association advises people to have a professional teeth cleaning every six months, along with routine dental exams. In some circumstances, patients may need to have their teeth cleaned more frequently in order to get an oral health problem under control, such as gum disease. Once your condition has been resolved, your check-ups and cleanings can be extended again. Dr. Gould will recommend how often you should have your teeth cleaned during your check-up.
How Does Diet Affect the Need for Dental Cleanings?
Your diet plays a significant role in the health of your teeth and gums, directly impacting how often you may need dental cleanings. Sugary and acidic foods can accelerate the formation of plaque and tartar, increasing the likelihood of cavities and gum disease. On the other hand, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and water can help keep your mouth cleaner and reduce the frequency of build-up. If your diet includes many sweets, sodas, or starchy foods, you may need more frequent cleanings to counteract the effects and protect your oral health.
Benefits of Teeth Cleanings:
Regular teeth cleanings offer numerous benefits that go beyond just a sparkling smile.
- Prevents Cavities: Removes plaque buildup that causes tooth decay.
- Prevents Gum Disease: Stops tartar from leading to gingivitis and periodontitis.
- Freshens Breath: Eliminates bacteria and food particles that cause bad breath.
- Brightens Smile: Polishes teeth, removing surface stains for a whiter smile.
- Saves Money: Prevents costly treatments by addressing issues early.
- Improves Overall Health: Reduces the risk of heart disease and other systemic conditions.
- Boosts Confidence: A clean, healthy smile can enhance self-esteem.
- Removes Plaque & Tartar: Targets hard-to-reach areas that brushing and flossing miss.
- Detects Oral Issues Early: Allows for early intervention on potential problems.
What Are the Risks of Skipping Dental Cleanings?
Skipping regular dental cleanings may seem harmless, especially if your teeth look fine on the surface, but it can lead to serious oral health problems over time. Without professional cleanings, plaque and tartar build-up can lead to gum disease, cavities, and even tooth loss. Furthermore, these oral health issues can have a ripple effect, potentially contributing to heart disease, diabetes, and other systemic conditions. By neglecting your dental cleanings, you’re putting both your oral health and overall health at risk, which is why it’s crucial to stay on top of your routine care.
Can Dental Cleanings Help with Bad Breath?
Yes, regular dental cleanings can be a powerful tool in combating bad breath. Often, bad breath is caused by the buildup of bacteria, plaque, and food particles that are difficult to remove with brushing and flossing alone. A professional cleaning thoroughly cleans these hard-to-reach areas, effectively removing the culprits behind bad breath. By maintaining a schedule of regular cleanings, you can keep your mouth feeling fresh and your breath smelling pleasant, boosting your confidence in social situations.
Schedule Dental Cleanings for the Whole Family
Trail West Family Dentistry is eager to meet the unique dental needs of everyone in your family. Dr. Gould and his trusted team are committed to providing personalized, compassionate, progressive dental care to each patient they have the privilege of caring for. Contact us today to schedule your next affordable teeth cleaning and dental exam. Let us show you how convenient caring for your family’s smiles can be!