Keep Your Smile Healthy and Bright with Regular Dental Cleanings
Dental cleanings are an essential part of maintaining good oral health. They involve the removal of plaque and tartar from your teeth, which can help prevent cavities, gum disease and other dental problems. Our Farmington Hills, MI dentist, Dr. Roman Shlafer, offers regular dental cleanings to help keep your teeth looking and feeling great.
Schedule your dental cleaning today at our Farmington Hills office by calling (248) 720-5618 and take the first step towards a healthy and bright smile!
What Are Dental Cleanings?
Dental cleanings, also known as prophylaxis, are a routine procedure performed by a dental hygienist or dentist. During a cleaning, the hygienist will use special tools to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, as well as polish them to remove surface stains.
Benefits of Dental Cleanings
There are several benefits of regular dental cleanings, including:
- Prevent Tooth Decay: Dental cleanings remove plaque, which is the primary cause of tooth decay. By removing this plaque, cleanings can help prevent cavities and other dental problems.
- Prevent Gum Disease: Gum disease is a common dental problem that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Regular dental cleanings can help prevent gum disease by removing plaque and tartar from the gum line.
- Fresher Breath: Bad breath is often caused by bacteria in the mouth. By removing plaque and tartar, dental cleanings can help eliminate this bacteria and leave your breath feeling fresher.
- Save Money: By preventing dental problems before they start, dental cleanings can actually save you money in the long run. This is because the cost of a cleaning is much less than the cost of treating a dental problem.
Candidacy for Dental Cleanings
Almost everyone is a candidate for dental cleanings. However, if you have a history of gum disease or other dental problems, your Farmington Hills dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings. Additionally, if you have sensitive teeth or gums, your dentist may recommend a more gentle cleaning.
Dental Cleaning Process
The dental cleaning process begins with a physical examination of your mouth to assess the overall health of your teeth and gums. Our Farmington Hills dental hygienist will use a small mirror to get a clear view of your teeth and look for any signs of oral health problems.
Next, the hygienist will use a scaler to remove any plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth. This is typically done using a small handheld tool that gently scrapes the surface of your teeth to remove any buildup. If there is a lot of buildup, the hygienist may also use an ultrasonic scaler to break up the tartar.
Once the plaque and tartar have been removed, the hygienist will use a polishing tool to remove any surface stains from your teeth. This is typically done using a small brush and a special polishing paste that helps to remove any discoloration and leave your teeth looking brighter.
After the cleaning is complete, the hygienist may apply fluoride to your teeth to help protect them against decay. This is done using a gel or foam that is applied to your teeth and left to sit for a few minutes before being rinsed off. Throughout the cleaning process, the hygienist will also provide you with tips and advice on how to maintain good oral hygiene at home.
Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene is important for keeping your teeth and gums healthy and preventing dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Here are some tips for maintaining good oral hygiene:
- Brush your teeth twice a day: Brushing your teeth twice a day, once in the morning and once at night, helps to remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums. Use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste, and brush for at least two minutes each time.
- Floss daily: Flossing helps to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and along the gum line. Use a piece of floss about 18 inches long, and gently insert it between your teeth. Curve the floss around each tooth in a C-shape and glide it up and down.
- Use mouthwash: Mouthwash can help to kill bacteria and freshen your breath. Look for a mouthwash that contains fluoride to help strengthen your teeth.
- Limit sugary and acidic foods: Sugary and acidic foods can contribute to tooth decay and erosion. Try to limit your intake of sugary and acidic foods and drinks, such as soda, candy, and citrus fruits.
- Visit your Farmington Hills dentist regularly: Regular dental exams and cleanings are important for maintaining good oral health. Dr. Shlafer can check for signs of dental problems and provide treatment as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most dentists recommend getting a dental cleaning every six months. However, if you have a history of dental problems, your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings
Dental cleanings are typically not painful. However, if you have sensitive teeth or gums, you may experience some discomfort during the procedure.
No, dental cleanings should not damage your teeth. However, if you have weak or damaged teeth, the hygienist may need to be more gentle during the cleaning.
Dental cleanings can help remove surface stains from your teeth, which can make them appear whiter. However, if you’re looking for a more dramatic whitening effect, you may need to consider other whitening treatments.