The Importance of Professional Dental Cleanings
Getting your teeth cleaned regularly by a professional can save you from oral health complications further down the line. Preventative oral care is essential for a reduced risk of issues like cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
During your dental cleaning, your hygienist will check for the following:
- Bone loss
- Chronic teeth grinding
- Gum disease
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction
Teeth Cleaning for Kids
Regular cleanings are essential for your kiddo. The risk for cavities is high within the first ten years of life, and leaving them unaddressed could cause them to worsen or spread. More than half of children between the ages of 6 and 8 have cavities in their baby teeth. That number only increases in kids between 12 and 19; fifty-seven percent have had a cavity in their adult teeth.
Cavities can be a real pain in the mouth–literally. When untreated, they can lead to issues with eating, speaking, and tooth decay. It could even lead to gum infections, spreading to other body parts.
You can teach your child how to brush and floss properly, but visiting a children’s dentist twice a year is still important to ensure they’re healthy.
When Should You Visit Us?
The American Dental Association recommends getting a dental cleaning every six months to maintain good health. However, you may need dental cleaning appointments more often if you are at risk for gum disease, periodontitis, and tooth loss.
Talk with your general dentist if the following factors apply to you:
- You have diabetes
- You smoke tobacco
- You have a family history of gum disease
Types of Dental Cleanings
Our friendly team is ready to handle all of your general dentistry needs!
Preventative Cleaning
Preventative dental cleanings are routine for patients with good oral habits and healthy teeth and gums. From kids to grandparents, every member of your family is welcome to come in for a dental cleaning here at Thrive. We’ll also provide an oral exam to check for any issues, and every few years, we’ll take x-rays to verify the condition of your teeth, the roots, and jaw placement.
Deep Cleaning
Deep dental cleanings are also called scaling and root planning visits. This oral care extends beneath your gum line to flush out bacteria and hardened tartar – or calculus – around your teeth roots. If you’ve got periodontitis, you’re most likely familiar with this type of cleaning, as it’s reserved for people with mild to moderate gum disease. Scaling and root planing involve anesthesia to numb your gums and may take some time, so you’ll be in the chair for a little while at this visit.
What to Expect From a Cleaning
Here’s what you can expect from your hygienist and dentist at Thrive Dental during your teeth cleaning procedure.
- An oral exam. First, your hygienist will use a small mirror to check around your teeth and gums for any signs of inflamed gums or other concerns. If you last had it done a while ago, you might be given X-rays of your teeth during this step.
- Removal of plaque and tartar. Next, while still using the mirror, they’ll use the scaler to remove the bad stuff from your teeth and gum line. They might stop on one spot for a bit if there’s more buildup, but this is normal.
- Dental polishing. Dental polishing with a high-powered brush removes stains and plaque from teeth and gives the surface of your teeth a glossy shine and smoothness.
- An expert flossing. After that, your hygienist will give you a comprehensive flossing.
- A rinsing. This step is self-explanatory. Your hygienist will rinse your teeth with a little water tool, and you can also rinse your mouth out using a little cup containing mouthwash.
- A fluoride treatment. You’re almost done! Next, prepare for a fluoride treatment that will protect your teeth in the fight against cavities for months. Sometimes, this looks like a foamy gel; other times, it’s a sticky paste.
- A visit from your dentist. Last but not least, your dentist will come in and check your teeth themselves. This usually only takes a few minutes, and during this time, they’ll ask if you have any questions or if any of your teeth have been bothering you. If not, you’re good to go!
We do our best to ensure our patients feel comfortable and confident entrusting their smiles to us. Pillows, blankets, comfort headphones, and warm lavender eye towels are just a few ways we put our patients at ease during a dental cleaning.
The Dentist Texas Counts On
The best part about a dental cleaning service? How fresh and clean you feel afterward! Thrive Dental is proud to be the office where your whole family can feel comfortable and excited about taking care of the health of their teeth.
Are you behind on your six-month cleaning? Are you new to town and looking for an orthodontist, kids’ dentist, or general dentist? We’ve got you covered!
We’re excited to meet you. Let one of our friendly staff members schedule a dental cleaning appointment in Frisco, Allen, Sachse, Richardson, and Dallas.
