Despite brushing and flossing as much as possible, it is very important to have your teeth professionally cleaned on a regular basis, and your teeth assessed for early signs of dental disease. Depending on the health of your gums, your previous history of dental disease, and your brushing habits, you may need to have your teeth cleaned on a more regular basis. What happens if you don’t get your teeth professional cleaned? Plaque, tartar, and food will make their way deep into the gums. Bacteria will grow on these deposits underneath the gum and will cause bleeding, swelling, and odor to worsen. These deposits harden and accumulate making the problem worse. Just like how inflammation and swelling in any part of the body is damaging, constant inflammation in the gums is very unhealthy and can lead to more complicated problems including cavities, gum recession, and damage to the foundation of the teeth. What makes a professional cleaning so much better than what you can do at home? Our hygienists use ultrasonic cleaning instruments that are designed to remove sticky tartar under the gums. These instruments vibrate at high speeds and spray water to remove plaque, rinse out bacteria, and leave your teeth feeling smooth and shiny. Don’t worry, these instruments do not damage your teeth. Aside from these ultrasonic instruments, our hygienists are trained to use hand instruments called scalers to remove hardened tartar and plaque. For those who have sensitive teeth, inform your hygienists of the sensitive areas and we would be more than happy to manually clean your teeth.
How often do you need to come in for a cleaning?
It is common for our patients to visit the office for a cleaning every 3-4 months. Most people who get regular cleanings appreciate the value in getting their teeth cleaned and notice the dramatic improvement in how healthy their mouth feels. Visiting us for frequent cleanings not only leaves your teeth feeling fresh but we are able to prevent dental disease and catch potential problems early. No matter how long it has been since your last cleaning, we look forward to seeing you soon.