The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends most people schedule teeth cleaning services every six months, so if it’s been a while since your last cleaning, it’s time to get back on schedule.
Regular professional teeth cleaning supports better oral health. It also reduces the risk of various health conditions and can improve the appearance of your smile.
What Does a Teeth Cleaning Appointment Include?
Each teeth cleaning appointment includes the following processes:
An examination and X-rays
Prior to your cleaning, the dentist or hygienist will give your teeth and mouth a full examination, which may include x-rays to verify that your deeper tooth tissues are in good shape. The goal is to spot any emerging signs of gingivitis, cavities or tooth decay. If any of these issues are detected and the problem is severe, your dental cleaning may need to be delayed until the other issues are managed.
Scaling
During the scaling process, the dental professional will use a scaler to remove any tartar or plaque from each tooth’s surface. Once calculus hardens on the tooth and converts into tartar, it can only be removed with a scaler. You may feel slight pressure and hear some scraping noises, but the process is pain free.
Polishing
After the teeth are cleaned and scaled and are free of tartar, the hygienist will polish them using a special paste and an implement with a protective rubber cap to ensure this part of the process is gentle on your teeth.
Flossing
Flossing is a vital part of oral hygiene and dental professionals know how to do it thoroughly. During a professional flossing, your dental hygienist will clean every hard-to-reach tooth surface down to the gum line.
Fluoride application
Once the tartar and plaque are gone, the teeth are polished and every tight space has been cleaned out with floss, fluoride may be applied to the teeth.
For some patients, additional services may be recommended, such as dental sealants to protect your teeth following your cleaning.
What Are the Benefits of Regular Teeth Cleanings?
Most people can stay on their oral healthcare schedule with teeth cleanings every six months. However, some people need cleanings. No matter how often cleanings are recommended, it’s important to stay consistent. Here are the benefits of regular teeth cleanings:
- Reduced risk of gum disease and tooth decay – Gum disease and tooth decay are oral hygiene problems that regular dental cleanings can help prevent. In this way, on-time cleanings are a proven form of oral healthcare.
- Reduced risk of several chronic health conditions – Poor oral health is linked to a number of chronic health conditions, including diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. Oral health is an indicator of overall health, so regular dental cleanings are a way to prevent disease.
- Early detection of any emerging oral health problems – Dental cleanings give your hygienist and dentist a close look at your teeth, gums, tongue, tonsils, the palate, and other oral tissues. If there are any abnormalities or reasons for concern, the issues can be identified and diagnosed.
- Reduced bad breath – Chronic halitosis (bad breath) affects more than 60 million Americans and can be a major confidence problem for many patients. Regular dental cleanings remove the bacteria responsible for causing bad breath and can therefore be used to resolve the issue.
- Healthier smile and improved confidence – Dental cleanings leave your teeth looking and feeling brighter and cleaner, so you’ll feel more confident flashing your smile.
- Lower future dental costs – Dental cleanings are a proven form of preventative oral healthcare and can reduce the impact of age, wear, and even diet. By investing in your oral health with regular teeth cleanings, you are more likely to avoid (or at least delay) more extensive treatments in the future.
Who Should Get Teeth Cleanings More Often Than Every Six Months?
There are a few types of patients who require more frequent teeth cleanings, which include:
- People with gum disease or those recovering from gum disease
- People with a family history of gum disease, tooth decay or other oral health problems
- People who have a weakened immune system
- People who have other chronic conditions that may affect oral health, such as diabetes
If you fall into any of the above categories, your dentist can recommend an ideal teeth cleaning schedule that fits your particular oral healthcare needs.
How to Find a Houston Dentist for Teeth Cleaning Services
Teeth cleanings are safe and effective when administered by an experienced dentist. Here are some tips on how to find a reputable dentist:
- Target local dentists in your area – With dentists, it makes sense to stay as local as possible. Local dentists are members of their community and are invested in their reputation, which means patient care is important to them.
- Get recommendations from friends and family – Friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors can all provide recommendations for a trusted dentist. Ask people whose opinion you respect and whose dental needs may be similar to yours or your family’s. For example, if you have a child with dental anxiety, you may have a friend with an anxious child who can provide a recommendation.
- Choose a dentist that offers the services you’ll eventually need – If you know you’ll eventually need cosmetic dental work or have a young child that will require pediatric services, look for a dentist who specializes in these areas. You may not need those services now, but getting all of your dental needs handled by a single practice is convenient.
- Research each dentist’s website before making an appointment – Before choosing a dental practice, take a look at each practice’s website first. By doing so, you can confirm that the practice takes your insurance and fill out any new patient forms. If you don’t have dental insurance, some dentists may offer a cash discount. You can also verify what services the practice specializes in and get a feel for the staff. If you’re deciding between several dentists, a quick website check may help with the final decision.
Make an Appointment Today with a Reputable Houston Dentist for a Teeth Cleaning
Meyerland Family Dentistry provides teeth cleaning services, along with many other dental services to patients of all ages. Whether it’s been a while since your last cleaning, or you are experiencing issues with one or more teeth, make an appointment and find a reason to smile again.