What to Expect from a Professional Dental Cleaning in Tucker, GA
Maintaining a healthy smile requires more than just brushing and flossing at home. Regular professional dental cleanings are essential for keeping your teeth and gums in top shape, preventing gum disease, and catching potential problems before they become serious. At Yvonne E. Beckford, DDS, PC in Tucker, GA, we offer thorough dental cleanings that ensure your smile stays healthy and beautiful.
In this blog, we’ll explain what happens during a professional dental cleaning, why they are so important, and how often you should schedule them.
Why Are Professional Dental Cleanings Important?
Even with the best at-home oral hygiene routine, plaque and tartar can build up in hard-to-reach areas. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth, and when it isn’t removed, it can harden into tartar (also called calculus). Tartar cannot be removed with regular brushing and flossing, and if left untreated, it can lead to gum disease, cavities, and other oral health issues.
Regular dental cleanings are designed to remove plaque and tartar, keeping your teeth and gums healthy. These appointments also give your dentist the opportunity to check for signs of oral health problems, such as tooth decay or early-stage gum disease, so they can be treated promptly.
What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?
A professional dental cleaning is a routine procedure, and it’s typically completed in about 45 minutes to an hour. Here’s what you can expect during your visit to Dr. Yvonne Beckford’s office:
1. Initial Examination
Before the cleaning begins, your dental hygienist will perform a quick exam of your teeth and gums. Using a small mirror, they’ll check for signs of inflammation, gum disease, or other concerns that may need to be addressed. If they detect anything that requires treatment, they may consult with Dr. Beckford to determine the next steps.
2. Removing Plaque and Tartar (Scaling)
The next step is scaling, which involves removing plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth, as well as from around and below the gumline. Your hygienist will use a special tool called a scaler to carefully scrape away any built-up tartar.
Tartar can build up even in areas that are hard to reach with a toothbrush, such as between the teeth and along the gumline. Regular cleanings help keep tartar under control, which in turn helps prevent gum disease and cavities.
3. Polishing and Stain Removal
Once the tartar has been removed, the hygienist will polish your teeth using a high-powered electric brush and a gritty toothpaste. This step helps remove surface stains and leaves your teeth feeling smooth and clean. The polishing paste is safe for your enamel and provides an extra layer of cleaning that can’t be achieved at home.
4. Flossing Between Teeth
After polishing, your hygienist will floss between your teeth to remove any remaining debris and ensure that every surface is clean. Even if you floss regularly at home, professional flossing helps remove particles in areas that might have been missed and gives your hygienist a chance to check your gum health.
5. Rinsing
Your dental hygienist will then give you a rinse to wash away any debris from the cleaning process. This may include a fluoride rinse or just water to leave your mouth feeling fresh and clean.
6. Fluoride Treatment (Optional)
Depending on your individual needs, your dentist may recommend a fluoride treatment at the end of your cleaning. Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens your tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities. The fluoride treatment is typically applied in the form of a gel, foam, or varnish and is left on the teeth for a few minutes to allow it to absorb.
Fluoride treatments are especially beneficial for children, but adults who are prone to cavities can benefit from them as well.
How Often Should You Have Your Teeth Cleaned?
Most patients should have their teeth professionally cleaned every six months. However, your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings if you’re at higher risk for oral health issues, such as gum disease or frequent cavities.
By staying on top of your dental cleanings, you can prevent problems like:
- Gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis): Regular cleanings help remove plaque and tartar that cause gum inflammation and infection.
- Cavities: Cleanings remove the bacteria that cause tooth decay and keep your enamel strong.
- Bad breath: Removing built-up plaque and tartar can eliminate the bacteria responsible for halitosis (chronic bad breath).
Benefits of Regular Dental Cleanings
Routine dental cleanings do more than just keep your teeth looking their best. Here are some key benefits of scheduling regular cleanings:
- Prevention of tooth decay: Removing plaque and tartar helps prevent cavities from forming.
- Gum disease prevention: Regular cleanings reduce the risk of gum inflammation and infection, which can lead to gum disease if left untreated.
- Early detection of issues: Regular visits give your dentist a chance to catch any oral health problems, such as cavities or early-stage gum disease, before they become more serious.
- Fresher breath: Cleanings help eliminate bacteria that cause bad breath.
- Brighter smile: Professional polishing removes surface stains, leaving your teeth looking whiter and brighter.
Ready to Schedule Your Next Dental Cleaning?
Maintaining your oral health is simple with regular professional cleanings. At Yvonne E. Beckford, DDS, PC, we offer comprehensive dental cleanings and exams to keep your smile healthy and prevent future problems. Our gentle and thorough cleanings will leave your teeth feeling clean and refreshed.
If it’s time for your next dental cleaning, call us today at (470) 287-0346 or visit our website at https://drbeckford.com/ to schedule an appointment. Let us help you keep your smile healthy and bright with regular professional cleanings!