Professional Teeth Cleanings for Better Dental Health
Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for a healthy smile and overall well-being. Regular dental cleanings are a critical part of this process, ensuring that your teeth and gums stay healthy and free from harmful bacteria. At Trusted Dental Care in Wylie, TX, we provide thorough and professional dental cleanings to keep your smile in top condition
Find out more about the dental cleaning process below, so you’re prepared when you visit our Wylie dentist for your next appointment. Contact Trusted Dental Care at (214) 702-0446 today.
Why Regular Dental Cleanings Matter
Regular dental cleanings, also known as prophylaxis, are essential for removing plaque, tartar, and stains that daily brushing and flossing can’t eliminate. Here’s why they matter:
- Prevention of Tooth Decay: Dental cleanings help prevent cavities by removing plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that can cause tooth decay if left untreated.
- Gum Disease Prevention: Tartar buildup along the gumline can lead to gum disease, which may progress to periodontitis, a serious condition that can result in tooth loss.
- Fresh Breath: Regular cleanings help eliminate bad breath by removing food particles and bacteria from the mouth.
- A Bright Smile: Professional cleanings can remove surface stains caused by foods, drinks, and tobacco, leaving your teeth looking whiter and brighter.
- Early Detection of Oral Health Issues: During your cleaning, Dr. G will examine your mouth for signs of any issues, such as cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer.
Maintaining Dental Hygiene Between Cleanings
While professional cleanings are essential, maintaining good oral hygiene between dental visits is equally important. To keep your teeth and gums healthy, be sure to:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash to help reduce bacteria and freshen your breath.
- Limit your consumption of sugary foods and drinks, which can contribute to tooth decay.
The Dental Cleaning Procedure and Process
Dental Exam
Before your dental cleaning begins, a dental hygienist will perform a dental exam to check for any signs of problems such as cavities or gum disease. These exams are essential for determining the condition of your oral health, and if you’ll need any additional treatments. They’re relatively quick and shouldn’t cause any pain.
At least once a year, our dental team will also take digital X-rays to detect problems we can’t see with the naked eye.
Plaque and Tartar Removal
The next step is scaling, where the dental hygienist uses a scaler to remove dental plaque and tartar buildup from the surface of your teeth and around the gumline. Tartar, or calculus, is hardened plaque that can only be removed with professional tools. If tartar isn’t removed, it can lead to gum disease and other oral health issues.
Teeth Cleaning and Polishing
Once the plaque and tartar have been removed, our dentist will clean and polish your teeth using a special toothpaste and brush. This process removes surface stains and leaves your teeth feeling smooth, shiny, and clean.
Flossing
Flossing is a critical part of the dental cleaning process. The hygienist will expertly floss between each tooth, removing any remaining plaque or debris that may be lodged between the teeth and gums. This step also helps identify areas where gum bleeding may occur, which could be a sign of gum disease or inflammation.
Fluoride Treatment (Optional)
Depending on your oral health, Dr. G may recommend a fluoride treatment to help protect your teeth from decay. Fluoride is a mineral that can help remineralize teeth and make them more decay-resistant. The fluoride treatment may be applied as a gel, foam, or varnish that’s brushed onto the teeth and left to sit for a few minutes before being rinsed off.
Final Examination by the Dentist
Once the cleaning is complete, our dentist will conduct a final examination of your teeth and gums. The dentist will review the hygienist’s findings and check for any other potential oral health issues. If needed, your dentist may recommend additional treatments, such as fillings, sealants, or deep cleanings.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have dental anxiety, talk to your dentist about your concerns. They may be able to offer sedation options such as nitrous oxide or prescribe anti-anxiety medication to help you relax during the procedure.
It’s best to avoid eating or drinking anything before a dental cleaning, especially if you’re getting a fluoride treatment. Food and drink can interfere with the effectiveness of the fluoride treatment.
Experience a Comfortable Visit With Our Wylie Dentist
Dental cleaning appointments are crucial to help maintain good oral hygiene and prevent dental problems. To get started with our Wylie dentist, contact our dental office today by calling (214) 702-0446. We’re happily accepting new patients at Trusted Dental Care.