Dental cleanings should be a routine part of maintaining your oral health. A professional cleaning can remove plaque and calculus that is left behind after brushing and flossing. The average person with good oral health should have a dental cleaning every 6 months. People who are prone to gum disease may need more frequent cleanings.
Despite the benefits, people often wonder if dental cleanings can damage teeth. This is a myth that needs to be put to rest. Here’s what you should know about dental cleanings and their many benefits.
What Does a Routine Dental Cleaning Entail?
A dental cleaning consists of a few different steps:
- Scaling. Plaque and calculus are removed from your teeth using special dental tools that are designed to be gentle and prevent damage to the enamel.
- Flossing. Your teeth are professionally flossed to remove plaque from between the teeth where dental tools can’t reach.
- Polishing. A rotating electric dental tool is used to buff your teeth to smooth out the surface, reducing the risk of tooth decay.
- Oral Evaluation. An oral evaluation is also conducted during a routine dental cleaning. This may include X-Rays for diagnostic purposes.
What is a Deep Teeth Cleaning?
A deep cleaning of your teeth may be necessary to treat gum disease. This consists of two procedures:
- Scaling. During a deep cleaning, scaling is used to remove plaque and calculus from the surface of your teeth as well as the roots of your teeth under your gums.
- Root Planing. Once the teeth and roots are clean, the roots are buffed until smooth using special dental tools.
Are Dental Cleanings Safe For My Teeth?
Dentists and dental specialists agree that dental cleanings are safe for teeth and will not cause damage. The purpose of dental cleanings is prevention, to keep your teeth from becoming decayed or damaged. The benefits of dental cleanings completely outweigh any risks.
Benefits of Dental Cleanings
- Preserve your natural teeth. Regular dental cleanings help to preserve your natural teeth so that they can last for your lifetime.
- Prevent decay. Removal of plaque and calculus that is left on the teeth after brushing and flossing prevents cavities from forming.
- Prevent gum disease. Scheduled teeth cleanings remove plaque and calculus before they can infect the gum tissue and cause gum disease.
- Maintain your smile. Dental cleanings keep your smile looking shiny and healthy.
- Save time and money. Preventing decay and gum disease by going to the dentist for regular cleanings every 6 months can save you time and money that would be spent repairing and restoring damaged teeth. Dental insurance typically covers dental cleanings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Cleanings
Does a dental cleaning hurt?
A routine dental cleaning should not hurt. But a deep cleaning is slightly more invasive, so local anesthesia is used to prevent any discomfort. If dental cleanings make you uncomfortable, sedation may help with anxiety.
Who performs deep dental cleanings?
A deep cleaning may be performed by a periodontist, a dentist who specializes in gum health and the support structures for your teeth.
Schedule a Dental Cleaning Today
Dental cleanings are a safe and effective method of maintaining oral health. If it's been more than 6 months since your last dental cleaning, it's time to make an appointment. Holzinger Periodontics and Dental Implants provides deep cleanings and periodontal maintenance for patients who need specialized care.
Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.