Quick Guide to Dental Cleanings

Dentistry means different things to different people. For some, it is purely cosmetic dentistry, and for others, it is strictly preventative treatment. Still, others include restorative treatments in their definition of dentistry. The American Dental Association (ADA) defines it as the combination of all the basic dental procedures that collectively maintain and improve your smile and overall oral health in a way that protects your teeth and gums—allowing you to enjoy eating, speaking, smiling, and laughing without concern or embarrassment about your teeth or gums.

What are dental cleanings?

Dental cleanings, also known as prophylaxis, are necessary for keeping your teeth and gums healthy. They can be performed by a dentist or dental hygienist. During a cleaning, plaque and tartar on your teeth are removed, and teeth are polished with dental tools to remove stains and keep them white. How often you need to visit your dentist will depend on what type of products you use at home. Most patients should schedule at least two cleanings per year; some may need more depending on their diet, frequency of eating acidic foods (such as soda), toothbrushing habits, and other factors.

How often should you have dental cleanings?

How often you need dental cleanings depends on your personal needs and lifestyle. Because plaque is constantly building up, it is important to have dental cleanings even if you do not have visible signs of disease or cavities. However, someone who eats very sugary foods or drinks a lot of coffee or tea may need more frequent dental cleanings. In general, it is recommended that you visit your dentist every six months for a cleaning and exam. In addition, if you notice any redness or pain in your gums, it is a good idea to see your dentist as soon as possible. While brushing and flossing at home will reduce plaque buildup, professional dental cleanings are essential to protecting your oral health.

What happens during your first visit?

The first step in any dentistry visit is a dental examination. During your exam, your dentist will take a detailed look at your teeth and gums. This allows them to get an idea of how serious any problems might be and determine if any other potential problems need attention.

During your exam, you may be asked to sign consent forms for specific procedures or treatments. You must read any documents carefully and understand what they mean before signing. Your dentist should explain everything in plain language before you decide whether to proceed with treatment.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentistry in Delray Beach, FL

What will my teeth cleaning feel like?

If you are getting a cleaning, you can expect your dentist or hygienist to start by checking your teeth and gums for any signs of disease. Once he has completed that task, your dental professional will probably polish your teeth with an abrasive paste. While that might sound uncomfortable, rest assured that it is not painful; it is like having your nails buffed at a nail salon. Afterward, they will likely remove any visible tartar (hardened plaque) with tools like scalers and files. Your hygienist will finish by flossing between your teeth and rinsing out anything left over with warm water.

Request an appointment or call Palm Beach Dentistry at 561-225-2057 for an appointment in our Delray Beach office.

Recent Posts

General Dentistry: Can Visiting A Dentist Help Prevent Cavities?

One of the top priorities of dentistry is to fight cavities. Your teeth are essential for eating your favorite foods and showing off a bright smile, and cavities put you at risk of losing your pearly whites. Fortunately, regular visits to your dentist can keep your teeth healthy.You can take care of your teeth at…

Common Dental Restorations

Dentists are crucial to every aspect of oral and dental health, including restorations. While many people assume that daily dental hygiene is enough to protect their oral health, this is not always the case. In addition to having a great daily dental routine, you also need to make it a routine to visit your dentist…

A Dentist Advises Against Leaving A Cavity Untreated

One of the things that a dentist will check for during your bi-annual checkup with them is cavities. Cavities are harmful and painful. They can actually lead to more significant problems if they’re left untreated. In this article, we’re going to look at what exactly a cavity is and why a dentist advises you never…

Palm Beach Dentistry

Share
Published by
Palm Beach Dentistry

Recent Posts

General Dentistry: Can Visiting a Dentist Help Prevent Cavities?

One of the top priorities of dentistry is to fight cavities. Your teeth are essential…

5 hours ago

How a Dental Bridge Can Restore Your Smile

A dental bridge is a tooth replacement option designed to fill in the gaps in…

6 hours ago

The Versatile Uses of Dental Crowns

In addition to function, dental crowns can improve the appearance of teeth by addressing a…

15 hours ago

Common Dental Restorations

Dentists are crucial to every aspect of oral and dental health, including restorations. While many…

1 day ago

A Dentist Advises Against Leaving a Cavity Untreated

One of the things that a dentist will check for during your bi-annual checkup with…

2 days ago

Does Gum Care Play an Important Role in General Dentistry?

Though many people think of teeth when they hear about dentistry, the truth is that…

3 days ago