Professional Dental Cleaning FAQs
Getting a dental cleaning might not be at the top of many people's list of preferred activities, but it is one of dentistry's most important preventative procedures. It is easy to understand why some people would rather skip sitting in a dental chair with their mouth open for 45 minutes while a dentist cleans their teeth.
Frequently asked questions about dental cleaning treatments
This article will explore some of the popular questions patients have regarding dental cleaning and its benefits.
1. What is a dental cleaning?
A dental cleaning is a professional process that cleans a patient's teeth more in-depth than traditional brushing and flossing. It removes tartar, bacteria, and any harmful debris that may be in the patient's teeth and gums. When tartar is left on the teeth, it leads to more bacteria and serious oral health issues.
2. How often should I get my teeth cleaned?
The American Dental Association advises coming in for a dental cleaning at least two times each year. Regular cleanings combined with good oral hygiene go a long way to preventing common dental problems like gum disease and tooth decay. In addition, people battling existing oral issues like periodontal disease might be asked to come in more frequently to get their teeth cleaned.
3. Is the process painful?
Patients should not feel any pain or experience discomfort when their teeth are being cleaned. However, people with dental phobias that might make it difficult to remain seated in a chair while being worked on should talk to the dentist about dental sedatives like nitrous oxide.
4. What goes on during teeth cleaning?
Teeth cleanings start with the dentist or their assistant using a small mirror to look for signs of issues like gum disease and tooth decay. A scaler is then used to remove tartar and plaque from teeth surfaces, between teeth, and around the gums.
The dentist will then polish the patient's teeth with a paste and a high-powered electric toothbrush. This process helps to remove any tartar left behind and biofilm. It also makes the patient's teeth shinier.
5. Does dental cleaning prevent staining?
While a dental cleaning may not entirely remove deep stains, regular cleanings can help prevent future stains. The products that dentists use during cleaning are better able to remove plaque and tartar buildup than what patients use at home. In addition, dental cleaning makes it more difficult for future stains to stick to the tooth enamel.
6. Does good oral hygiene help with dental cleanings?
Absolutely. Brushing and flossing remove plaque from teeth surfaces, preventing it from calcifying into tartar. Good oral hygiene will not completely stop the buildup of tartar deposits on teeth, but it will reduce the rate these deposits build up, so there's less tartar to remove during teeth cleaning appointments.
7. Do gums bleed during or after a standard dental cleaning?
When bacteria accumulate in the mouth, they can irritate the gums and make them more sensitive. They can also bleed more easily. When a dentist cleans them, gums bleed since they have to brush them and use hard instruments. Gum sensitivity will typically disappear within one or two days after a dental cleaning.
8. What are the benefits of getting teeth cleaned regularly?
Tartar provides a safe place for oral bacteria to damage teeth. Getting these deposits removed helps to protect against tooth decay and gum disease. Other benefits of getting teeth cleaned regularly include:
- Improved smile: Tartar is prone to picking up stains, and it gives teeth a yellow color. A professional teeth cleaning makes teeth appear whiter by getting rid of surface stains and tartar deposits
- Dental exam: Routine teeth cleaning appointments provide an opportunity for the dentist to examine their patient's teeth. Any oral problems that have developed since the patient's last appointment can be detected and treated.
- Improved health: Chronic health conditions like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease have been linked to gum disease – which dental cleanings protect against. People who get their teeth cleaned regularly are less likely to experience these issues
9. How long does it take for plaque to build up?
Despite dental cleanings removing plaque-causing bacteria completely, they begin to recolonize after a few days. While regular brushing and flossing can help with basic oral hygiene, plaque will gradually build up and require another dental cleaning after six months. Patients who have a dental cleaning every six months are less likely to develop plaque and tartar buildup.
We perform teeth cleanings and other preventative treatments
Has it been a while since your last dental cleaning? Then, it is a good time to get one. Call us at (718) 924-2387 or visit our Forest Hills office to set up an appointment with our dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://www.gentletouchdentalcare.com or call Gentle Touch Dental Care at (718) 924-2387 for an appointment in our Forest Hills office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Cleaning and Examinations in Forest Hills, NY.
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