Most of us are taught at a young age that regular dental cleaning are an important part of leading a healthy lifestyle, but as we grow into adults, we often begin to neglect these crucial cleanings. As we age, these appointments become increasingly important to our oral health and should not be forgotten to prevent cavities and gum disease.
What happens at a dental cleaning?
The main goal of regular cleanings is to rid the teeth of the plaque and tartar buildup that sticks to your teeth and gums. This helps combat any signs of gum disease that can occur when the buildup is not removed. Cleanings also ensure that you have the confidence of a bright and shining smile and healthy gums.
At the beginning of your appointment, your hygienist will provide you with an apron and help ensure that you are comfortable in your chair. After your apron is in place and you are comfortable, they will begin removing the tartar from your teeth and gums. They will use a variety of tools and will be sure to rinse your mouth as they work to scrape your teeth clean of buildup. After the tartar is removed, your teeth will be polished, flossed, and applied fluoride treatment. This treatment helps prevent cavities until your next dental cleaning.
Once the hygienist has thoroughly cleaned your teeth, the dentist, who is a doctor, will come into the examination room and examine your mouth for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, TMJ, and oral cancer. During this time, they will discuss red flags they see and provide at-home solutions such as brushing with lighter pressure, reminding you to floss, or making other recommendations. They will also take the time to answer any questions related to your oral health and make sure that you feel comfortable moving forward.
Benefits of regular dental cleanings
In addition to ensuring that any oral health issues are detected early, regular cleanings also provide the following benefits:
- Bright, white smile: Regular cleanings ensure that your smile is bright and confident. The scrub and polish that your hygienist uses will help remove calculus from your teeth, brightening and whitening your small. Regular cleanings help avoid costly teeth whitening procedures that you may want if your smile becomes yellow or dull.
- Preventing tooth loss: If left unchecked, plaque and tartar can lead to tooth loss. This is preventable when checked and cleaned regularly.
- Identifying other health issues: Additional health issues can be identified based on your teeth and gum condition, such as GERD (acid reflux) and diabetes.
- Affordable appointments: Regular cleanings are typically partially or fully covered by insurance plans and help you avoid costly procedures in the future.
Although life can be busy and regular dental cleanings often get neglected, they are important in your healthcare plan. Attending these appointments not only ensures that you catch any signs of oral disease but also keeps your smile bright and shining.
Request an appointment here: https://www.kingdentistry.com or call King Dentistry at (209) 585-1474 for an appointment in our Turlock office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Cleaning in Turlock, CA.
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