The widely accepted schedule for teeth cleanings is once every 6 months, or twice a year. Sure, oral hygiene can be practiced at home with brushing and flossing but these actions can only remove so much. You need professional dental tools to properly remove tartar (hardened plaque) that’s been left behind. Cleanings are also a great time for our Greater Fort Lauderdale, FL, dentists to examine any arising issues.
Here’s what you need to know about coming for a .
Why Do Teeth Cleanings Matter?
Professional teeth cleanings are an essential part of maintaining a healthy smile. When performed by our dental hygienists, a effectively removes stubborn plaque and tartar which then reduces your risk of developing gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health problems.
During your visit, one of our dental hygienists will start with a physical exam of your mouth where we’ll look for any signs of potential issues such as oral cancer or gum inflammation. Next, we’ll move on to carefully clear debris from your teeth and around your gum line. This will be the scaling and polishing steps of the appointment.
After your teeth are feeling nice and polished, it’s time for flossing. Our hygienist will thoroughly floss in between teeth and take note of any bleeding spots. Any leftover plaque or gritty toothpaste used in the prior step will also be removed at this point. If needed, we may cap off the visit with a fluoride treatment.
Different Types of Teeth Cleanings
Most of the time, if your teeth and gums are overall quite healthy, you’ll receive a standard cleaning. It’s routine, straightforward, and follows all of the steps previously mentioned. For patients with gum disease, however, the cleaning will be more in depth.
The process used to treat periodontitis, or advanced gum disease, is known as scaling and root planing. This periodontal treatment involves our hygienists cleaning deep below the gum line as well as above on the surfaces of teeth to flush out accumulated bacteria. Local anesthesia is used for this procedure as it does require more focused work.
Schedule Your Cleaning Today
Staying on top of your teeth cleanings is important for your short and long-term oral health. For that reason, our dentists serving Plantation and Greater Fort Lauderdale, FL, would like to see you every 6 months if possible. Call Barr Dental Group today at (954) 327-7400 to request an appointment.