Regular cleanings prevent cavities. Dental cleanings in Cooper City prevent the development of cavities in teeth by removing plaque from your teeth before it hardens into tartar and by removing tartar that you simply can’t remove on your own at home. What is this benefit potentially worth to you? Just ask a dentist near you about the cost difference between a cleaning and getting dental fillings.
Regular cleanings prevent tooth loss. The accumulation of plaque and tartar on teeth and along the edge of your gums causes gingivitis and, if not removed, periodontitis. If gum disease is allowed to advance, so much gum tissue may be destroyed that your teeth may become loose and fall out. In addition, that gum disease may advance in your jaw and throughout your body via your bloodstream.
Regular cleanings can help reverse gingivitis before it worsens to become periodontitis. Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease that causes swollen gums, red (rather than pink) gums, bleeding gums, bad breath, receding gums and tender gums. Gingivitis can be reversed by a recommitment to daily dental hygiene habits (brushing, flossing and mouthwash), but your efforts to arrest and reverse gingivitis can get a head start boost with a thorough dental cleaning by a dentist in Cooper City.
What happens at a dental cleaning?
Every appointment for a dental cleaning near you includes six steps. Here is what to expect at a dental cleaning by a dentist near you.
1. A dental hygienist will conduct a complete physical examination of your teeth and gums. The hygienist is looking for any indications of tooth decay and gingivitis to confirm it is appropriate to proceed with the dental cleaning. The hygienist will also confirm that any prior dental work or restorations — fillings, crowns, bridges, implants, inlays, onlays, etc. — are intact.
2. Using a handheld scaler, the hygienist will scrape plaque and tartar from between your teeth and along the edge of your gums. Depending on the hardness and amount of any tartar that has accumulated, the hygienist may focus on some locations for longer than others.
3. After removing all tartar, your hygienist will brush your teeth with a grittier toothpaste than you use at home and with a highly powered electric toothbrush.
4. After brushing your teeth, the hygienist will floss deeply between and around every tooth to ensure that all plaque is removed and to clear away any debris produced by the brushing of your teeth.
5. Once the process of brushing and flossing is finished, your teeth will be rinsed thoroughly to clean any and all debris out of your mouth.
6. Your dentist’s hygienist will finish the cleaning process by applying fluoride to help protect your teeth from cavities for several months. Fluoride may be applied as a foam or gel within a tray placed over your teeth. Alternatively, your hygienist may “paint” a fluoride varnish onto your teeth that will harden when it comes into contact with saliva.
If your dental hygienist makes any observations of potential concern during any of the above steps, your dentist may recommend that dental x-rays be taken to help investigate any necessary interventions and to help create any necessary treatment plan.
How often should you have your teeth professionally cleaned? The best answer to that can vary from person to person. If you’re particularly vulnerable to developing tooth decay or periodontal disease, more frequent cleanings than usual may be appropriate. The “default” answer to that question is that people should have their teeth professionally cleaned for all the above reasons every six months.
If you have not had your teeth cleaned in the last six months (or even longer), get in touch with a dentist near you to arrange an appointment to get back on track.