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 Dentistry & Implants 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.
Wondering how to practice good oral hygiene? Read on for some helpful tips from a family dentist. Good oral hygiene is a cornerstone of overall health and wellness. Regular visits to a family dentist for checkups, cleanings, and instruction in excellent oral hygiene are essential to maintaining healthy teeth and gums.The family dentist is the…
Dental bonding is a versatile and minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that can address various dental imperfections. This procedure, involving the application of a tooth-colored resin to restore or enhance teeth, offers patients a simple and cost-effective solution for achieving a brighter, more uniform smile. Dental bonding is ideal for repairing minor dental flaws without extensive…
A family dentist is an excellent choice for the entire family. If you are a parent, you know that the health of you, your children, and your partner are a top priority. Often, many parents do not schedule their dental appointments because scheduling conflicts with their children’s. This problem goes away when you find your…
Family dentists are uniquely qualified to offer various dental services to patients of all ages. Children, teens, and adults can visit the dentist for teeth cleanings, checkups, cavity fillings, and other restorative dental procedures. This article will examine the qualifications of family dentists to help you find the right one for your family’s oral health.Becoming…