If you have not had a teeth cleaning for a while, you may not recall what will take place. Like many patients, you may have some anxiety about visiting the dentist, but this does not have to be a scary visit. The more you understand about these appointments, the more at ease you can feel. You will also take charge of your oral wellness and overall well-being when you make these appointments a priority.
Dentists have set guidelines and recommendations about when patients should have examinations and teeth cleanings. Generally, people of all ages should come in for a cleaning and evaluation every six months. Even patients with a good oral health history should follow this pattern. Patients who are prone to getting cavities or who have a history of gum disease or abscesses should come in more often. The dentist can advise these patients when to make a cleaning appointment.
One of the consequences of not brushing or flossing thoroughly is that plaque can build up on and around the teeth. It is formed from food particles and saliva, and it will stay on teeth if the person does not brush regularly. Eventually, plaque can harden and turn into tartar, which causes gum disease and can even lead to tooth loss. The hygienist will use a dental tool to scrape away any plaque or tartar from between teeth and at the gumline.
Once the hygienist has removed any buildup, it will be time to clean the teeth. To do this, the hygienist will use a gritty toothpaste and apply it to both sides of every tooth. With an ultrasonic electric brush, the hygienist will clean the teeth. The paste is much different than what a patient would use at home.
The hygienist or an assistant next will floss the patient’s teeth. This can be done as a way to instruct the patient on how to floss more effectively. There may be bleeding on the gums; if this is the case, it means the patient is not flossing enough. The hygienist will rinse out the patient’s mouth as needed.
After this, the hygienist will do a fluoride treatment. This is more common to do for younger patients. Some treatments require the patient to swish the solution in their mouth. However, most fluorides go on a mouthpiece, which the patient keeps in the mouth for about a minute. The fluoride protects the teeth and fights against cavities.
A regular teeth cleaning can serve at least two purposes. The visits promote good oral health, and they help you keep the attractive smile that you want. If you get behind and do not go to the dentist’s office regularly, you may soon have excess buildup or tooth decay. To avoid these concerns, come to the dentist’s office every six months. Make your next appointment today.
Request an appointment here: https://totalcareimplantdentistry.com or call Total Care Implant Dentistry at (760) 394-3088 for an appointment in our Palm Desert office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Denture care is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, but few people know the best way to care for their teeth. Denture hygiene is just as important as brushing and flossing your natural teeth! What are dentures? How do dentures work? What types of dentures are there? How do I clean them? Who can…
General dentistry commonly handles toothaches among other dental concerns. While this is a routine issue that is easily treatable, it is common for patients to have several questions about it and what they should do if they experience it. Here we will answer some commonly asked general dentistry questions and advice on the best ways…
Denture care is one of the most essential steps in preventing gum disease. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss and other health issues like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Dentures are a common and vital dentistry tool dentists use to repair tooth damage, fill cavities or even replace missing teeth. Dentures play a considerable…
A tooth replacement procedure is vital if you are missing teeth. You will be happy to know that there are multiple options available to restore your smile. If you are missing a few or many teeth but have healthy natural teeth remaining, partial dentures make a lot of sense. This solution can improve your appearance…
Denture care is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, but few people know the best way to care for their teeth. Denture hygiene is just as important as brushing and flossing your natural teeth! What are dentures? How do dentures work? What types of dentures are there? How do I clean them? Who can…
General dentistry commonly handles toothaches among other dental concerns. While this is a routine issue that is easily treatable, it is common for patients to have several questions about it and what they should do if they experience it. Here we will answer some commonly asked general dentistry questions and advice on the best ways…