When you think of oral hygiene, regular brushing and flossing usually come to mind. However, good oral hygiene goes beyond just brushing and flossing. As a matter of fact, to keep your smile healthy and strong, you need to go for a professional dental cleaning at least twice a year or even more based on your dentist’s assessment of your oral health status.
Also, it is possible for your teeth to sparkle like pearls, yet the gums and oral environment may show symptoms of gingivitis or other health conditions. Only a dental professional can spot these defects in your oral health. You do not have to wait to witness serious oral warning signs before you visit the dentist’s office for a professional cleaning.
What is a routine dental cleaning?
It is common for people to visit the dentist only when they have oral health problems affecting them. However, routine dental visits are the surest way to prevent oral health issues. A dental cleaning is a preventive procedure performed by dental professionals to achieve optimal oral health. Dental cleaning is a procedure that utilizes specialized dental techniques and tools to remove plaque and tartar that cannot be removed by ordinary brushing and flossing.
What to expect during a dental cleaning
Usually, a dental cleaning procedure lasts between 30 minutes to one hour and is performed during a scheduled appointment. At Soft Touch Dental, we begin the process by physically examining your mouth. Based on your oral health assessment, our dentist designs a custom dental cleaning solution tailored to your oral health. This is followed by the removal of plaque and tartar using specialized dental tools while you are lying down in a dental chair.
Our procedures do not just remove plaque and tartar; we ensure that your teeth shine to their original smoothness through thorough teeth polishing according to your dental health needs based on the initial assessment. After your teeth are tartar-free, we perform a fluoride toothpaste treatment and then floss between your teeth. The cleaning is followed by oral hygiene education, such as advice on the best and worst types of food for your oral health.
Benefits of routine dental cleaning
Professional dental cleaning has other benefits beyond just keeping your smile bright. Here are some benefits of routine dental cleaning:
Prevent gum disease
Converging lines of evidence by the American Academy of Periodontology suggest that about 30% of Americans are at risk of developing gum disease because of their genes. Plaque buildup is a common cause of gum disease. Also, when plaque builds up to become tartar, it cannot be removed by ordinary brushing and flossing. One of the best ways to prevent the development of periodontal diseases is through routine dental cleaning.
Protect you from tooth loss
Tooth decay is a leading cause of tooth loss. This is usually a result of acidic foods and drinks and sugary foods that make the environment conducive for bacterial growth. When mouth bacteria digest food, acid is produced which is capable of dissolving the enamel and ultimately leading to cavities or eventual tooth decay. Routine dental cleaning reduces the risk of tooth loss by removing tartar from tooth enamel.
Avoid cavities
Cavities are one of the risk factors for tooth decay. Also, dental cavities can cause a lot of discomfort if not treated early. Cavities result from a combination of many factors, such as bacteria buildup in your mouth, improper dental hygiene, frequent snacking, and even alcohol consumption. Professional teeth cleaning removes food debris and plaques from your teeth to prevent the development of cavities and prevent tooth loss.
Enhance your smile
Professional dental cleaning is one of the easiest ways to brighten your smile. Routine dental cleaning helps keep your teeth bright and white by removing surface stains due to coffee, snacks, sugars, and even tobacco. Routine dental cleaning is an important part of life. Schedule an appointment with a dentist today!
Tips to make dental cleaning more comfortable
Many feel apprehensive of having their teeth cleaned. The simple truth is that dental cleaning should not cause you pain. Here are basic tips to make your dental cleaning a more comfortable experience.
Talk to your dentist
It is pertinent for you to talk to your dentist before, during, and even after a dental cleaning procedure. At Soft Touch Dental, we conduct an initial examination of the oral health of your teeth and gums to develop a custom dental cleaning procedure that suits you while taking your overall health into consideration. Common dental health issues that require specialized procedures include if you have sensitive teeth or if you wear dentures.
Take prescribed pain medication
Sometimes, prescribed pain medications are a preventive measure for reducing inflammation and pain during a dental cleaning procedure. These pain medications keep you relaxed during the procedure and could also be prescribed to address discomfort after the procedure.
Use a desensitizing gel
There are desensitizing gels used by dentists to numb the teeth and gums to make dental cleaning a comfortable experience. Hence, if you have an issue with dental anxiety as a first-timer, feel free to request a numbing gel. Desensitizing toothpaste also comes in handy to ensure a quicker and more convenient recovery.
Routine dental visits and adequate dental care are crucial parts of maintaining a healthy smile. At Soft Touch Dental, we make your dental cleaning in Florissant a very comfortable experience. Schedule an appointment with one of our dentists today.