Why Do I Need to Have My Teeth Cleaned?
As a preventive practice, regular professional cleanings can’t be beat. In fact, more and more, these sessions are referred to as preventive dentistry since they allow your dental team to be proactive in managing your dental health. Here’s what a dental cleaning provides:
- A deep cleaning
- Prevention against tooth decay
- A dental exam
- X-rays, if applicable
- Education
At Northwest Dental Services & Dental Implant Center, the hygienists and dentists team up to not only provide you with considerably whiter, cleaner teeth, they also use this time to monitor your oral health, including your gums. Regular visits for cleanings allow the dental experts to spot potential problems and quickly fix them before they develop into something more serious.
What Happens at a Dental Cleaning?
When you visit Northwest Dental Services & Dental Implant Center for a cleaning, here’s what you can expect:
- The hygienist performs a visual exam of your teeth to check for problem areas
- She then uses special equipment to remove plaque and tartar
- Next, the hygienist cleans your teeth with a gritty toothpaste
- After expertly flossing your teeth, she gives you a special rinse
Once your cleaning is finished, the dentist comes in for a report and to take a look at your teeth for himself, checking on areas the hygienist noted.
If your X-rays aren’t current, you may also want to use this visit to update them.
How Often Do I Need My Teeth Cleaned?
Northwest Dental Services & Dental Implant Center recommends you come twice a year for a dental cleaning (if you have dental insurance, these two visits are usually covered).
It’s also worth noting that as important as your visits are, your at-home care is equally, if not more, important. The dental professionals recommend that you:
- Brush at least twice a day
- Rinse after meals and brushing
- Floss at least once a day
By keeping up with your at-home care and your regular dental cleanings, these visits may be the only time you need to see the dentist.
To get started on your preventive dentistry, call Northwest Dental Services & Dental Implant Center, or book an appointment online.
