Have you had your teeth cleaned recently? It is advised that all people, children and adults, have their teeth cleaned by a dental professional at least twice each year. Even if your teeth and gums are healthy, routine dental cleanings are a necessary preventative measure for your oral health.
Having your teeth cleaned by a dental professional is essential in keeping your teeth and gums healthy. A professional teeth cleaning removes any plaque that brushing and flossing at home may have missed. Teeth cleanings at your dental office are also the only way to remove the hardened substance called tartar that can develop on your teeth. When left unchecked tartar can cause tooth decay, contribute to gum disease, or even cause tooth loss.
The American Dental Association (ADA) suggests teeth cleanings at least every 6 months. Even if you don’t have current dental issues, it is important to have your teeth cleaned to help prevent future oral health problems. Your dentist will create a cleaning schedule based on your personal oral healthcare needs. If you are currently undergoing dental treatments (especially for gum disease) it may be suggested that you have your teeth cleaned more often.
Routine teeth cleaning leads to better oral hygiene. Good oral hygiene is not just important for your mouth but can also benefit your overall health as well.
Cavities form from the build up of plaque on the teeth. The plaque produces bacterial acids that eat away at the surface of your teeth. Over time tiny holes will form in the outer surface of your teeth and eventually become larger and deeper, reaching the inner layers of your tooth causing pain or toothaches. Routine dental cleanings remove the plaque from your teeth and help to ward off tooth decay and cavities.
When plaque remains on your teeth, it can irritate your gums. Irritated gums can lead to gum disease, also known as periodontitis. In its early stages gum disease can cause gums to become red, swollen, tender, and bleed easily. When left untreated, gum disease can become more severe and cause tooth or even bone loss. Gum disease can easily be prevented with good oral hygiene, including regular routine dental cleanings.
Routine dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth, which can be unsightly. But routine cleanings can also help to whiten your teeth by removing surface stains from your tooth enamel. Stains can be caused by highly pigmented foods like coffee and wine and can build up over time on the surface of your teeth. A routine dental cleaning may be able to remove some of the stain build up to give you a whiter smile.
Having your teeth regularly cleaned is an important part of maintaining your overall health as well. Your oral health is directly connected to your overall health so keeping your mouth healthy benefits every other part of your health too!
A routine teeth cleaning is a simple and relatively quick process. Most cleanings only take around 30 minutes to complete.
At the beginning of your cleaning, you may be asked about your medical history and medications you are currently taking. Your See Me Smile Dental of Oxnard dental hygienist will also examine your mouth to identify any issues or areas where extra care may be needed.
The next step of your dental cleaning involves the removal of plaque and tartar. Your dental hygienist will use a series of tools to scrape the surface of your teeth and around your gum line to remove tartar and plaque that may cause tooth decay. This process may take longer if your teeth have significant plaque or tartar buildup. While this step may be a bit uncomfortable for some, it is typically painless.
Next, your dental hygienist will floss between your teeth to remove any food particles or plaque that remains between your teeth.
Polishing is a cosmetic procedure that may be used during your routine dental cleaning. A gritty paste may be used with a polishing brush to remove surface stains and polish your teeth to give them a smooth and shiny appearance.
After cleaning your teeth your dental hygienist may administer a fluoride treatment. This may be done with a liquid, foam, or varnish form of fluoride that coats your teeth. The fluoride will help make the outer layer of enamel on your teeth stronger and more resistant to decay. This process only takes a couple of minutes.
The last step of your routine dental cleaning will include steps your See Me Smile Dental of Oxnard team suggests for keeping teeth and gums healthy at home. Your dental team can give you tips for proper brushing, flossing and mouth care to keep your smile healthy and beautiful. There will also be time for you to ask any questions you may have about your oral healthcare needs.
Routine dental cleanings are covered by most insurance programs, however our dental team can discuss with you all out-of-pocket costs your dental treatments may incur.
Dr. Omid Barkhordar, DDS has earned his reputation as a leading family and cosmetic dentist in Oxnard, the Central Coast, and Southern California. He is committed to providing patients of all ages with compassionate care.
From general dentistry to advanced procedures, Dr. Omid uses innovative technology and gentle techniques to deliver safe and stress-free dental care so patients can enjoy a painless, healthy, and gorgeous smile.
Dr. Omid earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Southern California (USC) School of Dentistry in one of the best dental programs in the United States. His dedication to helping patients achieve their perfect smile has earned Dr. Omid the continued trust and recommendation of many clients.
No matter the age or needs of the patient, Dr. Omid is committed to helping you discover the benefits of a healthy, beautiful smile.
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