Smiley Dental Lowell

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Dental Cleaning

What is Dental Cleaning?

Dental cleaning is one of the most common procedures performed by dentists and hygienists to improve oral health. During this routine visit to the dentist, a hygienist will clean, polish and floss your teeth to remove hardened plaque, tartar and bacteria. When coupled with good brushing and flossing habits at home, dental cleanings are vital for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

Importance of scheduling regular dental cleanings

For the oral health of all dental patients, regular cleanings are a vital part of their care plan. This is because the longer patients wait to have their teeth cleaned, the harder it becomes to clean them. The reason for this is the plaque and tartar build-up over time, making it more difficult to eliminate. If patients have long gaps between regular dental cleanings, they will more likely need to get a deep dental cleaning instead of regular dental cleaning.

Types of dental cleanings

There are many different types of dental cleanings to choose from. But all types of dental cleaning have one similar goal: to remove harmful bacteria and help reduce the risk of dental issues.

Prophylaxis: Routine preventive cleaning for those with generally healthy teeth and gums. It is the most common type of dental cleaning. The article will concentrate on prophylaxis the most.

Gross debridement: Dental cleaning for those who have not seen the dentist in over a year or who have a large amount of plaque accumulation. The procedure is often the same as standard prophylaxis. The chief difference is that it could take longer to remove the hardened calculus. Gross debridement’s primary purpose is to assess whether a patient has any conditions that were not initially diagnosed before the dental cleaning.

Scaling and root planing: Commonly referred to as a deep dental cleaning, this procedure includes scaling and root planing under the gum line. The process flushes out any bacteria and hardened tartar(calculus) on the roots of your teeth. Dentists generally use this treatment to treat mild to moderate gum disease (periodontitis). Patients who receive a deep dental cleaning typically receive local anesthesia to numb the gums.

Who needs more frequent dental cleanings?

Twice-yearly checkups are an excellent way for most people to keep their teeth and gums clean. But some situations may require a patient to visit the dentist more frequently. For example, some people may need to have more frequent dental cleanings if they:

Recommended schedule for dental cleanings

Dental cleaning should be performed at least twice a year or every six months. In some cases, it may be more advisable to have dental cleanings at four times a year or three-month intervals. Some people with a history of cavities or gum disease may wish or need to receive more frequent dental cleanings. This can help prevent problems from developing and worsening over time.

Why it’s important

Prevents tooth decay and gum disease: Removing plaque and tartar is essential to prevent cavities and gum inflammation. Regular cleaning will do just that!

Maintains overall health: Oral health is connected to overall health, so you must maintain a healthy mouth to prevent more significant issues.

Appearance enhancement: Teeth cleaning is an excellent way to remove visible stains from plaque and tartar on your teeth. This makes your teeth appear brighter.

Tips For Maintaining Clean Teeth Between Appointments

In addition to professional cleanings, you should have a daily routine for keeping your teeth healthy. Some good tips to maintain top health for your teeth between checkups with the dentist are:

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a cleaning take?
Usually 30–60 minutes depending on buildup.
It shouldn’t. Mild sensitivity is normal if there’s heavy tartar.
Cleanings remove stains but do not change tooth shade like whitening.
Tartar forms even with good brushing and must be removed professionally.
Scaling and root planing for treating gum disease below the gumline.

Get in Touch with Us

If you’re looking for quality dental care in Lowell or surrounding communities such as Dracut, Chelmsford, Tewksbury, Billerica, Tyngsborough, or Methuen, contact Smiley Dental Lowell today at 978-999-9000. Our team is here to help you achieve a smile you’ll love.