Professional Teeth Cleaning

Professional Teeth Cleaning Complements Home Care

You may be wondering why you need to get your teeth professionally cleaned if you are diligent about your home oral hygiene routine. During a professional cleaning, your dentist will remove tartar build-up on your teeth that you can’t remove at home. Tartar builds when plaque on your teeth is not removed and hardens. Because it is difficult to reach every tooth surface at home, it is inevitable that some plaque will remain after brushing and flossing and eventually become tartar. Tartar is too hard to remove with normal home care and left unchecked, it can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Your dentist has the tools necessary to remove tartar before it can compromise your oral health.

Professional Cleanings Also Involve a Dental Exam

When it comes to good oral health, it is easier to treat problems in their early stages, before they cause damage. During a professional dental cleaning, you will also receive a comprehensive dental exam, which allows your dentist to spot signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems, usually before they even cause symptoms. This usually means you can get easier, less invasive treatments or that you can reverse the damage before you need treatment at all.

Professional Teeth Cleaning: Simple & Effective

Healthy teeth and gums and a bright smile are yours after a professional cleaning. Here is what to expect during your visit:

• A comprehensive exam of your teeth, gums, and soft tissue (with an X-ray once per year)
• Plaque and tartar removal with a small scraping tool
• Electric toothbrushing with gritty toothpaste to polish your teeth
• Flossing to remove any leftover plaque
• Fluoride application

Your dentist will let you know if you need any follow-up care and give you tips for maintaining your deep teeth cleaning at home.

Get Professional Teeth Cleanings Twice Per Year

The standard recommendation for most people is to see their dentist for deep cleaning every six months. However, it’s also common for people to need more frequent visits. If you have a health condition that increases your risk of oral health issues, such as diabetes, your dentist may recommend that you have your teeth cleaned four times per year. You may also need more frequent cleanings if you are being treated for gum disease. Your dentist will work with you to create a customized treatment plan.