What are the different types of dental cleanings?
There are a few different types of dental cleanings. It just depends on what you need. It's not like getting a car wash where you choose the platinum package or the basic package. It really depends on how healthy your gums are.
The good thing is that the earlier you come in, the easier, less expensive, and less stressful treatment usually is. If you have gum disease, we can treat that too. Our hygienist provides periodontal cleanings when needed, but those appointments are more involved, take longer, and typically cost more. Our goal is to help prevent you from ever reaching that point if we can.
Why are dental cleanings important?
Dental cleanings are often underestimated when it comes to how important they are for your overall health. We now have many studies showing that bacteria in your mouth can enter your bloodstream and travel throughout your body.
Oral bacteria have been linked to conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and other health concerns. Routine professional dental cleanings help reduce harmful bacteria while also preventing cavities and gum disease. You're not just protecting your teeth. You're protecting your overall health.
How often should you have a dental cleaning?
You should have a professional dental cleaning every six months at a minimum. Some patients need to come in more frequently, and we'll let you know if that's the case. For most people, though, every six months is the right schedule.
Is a dental cleaning painful?
That's a great question. A dental cleaning should not be painful at all. It may be a minor inconvenience, but it should never be painful.
How long does a typical dental cleaning take?
We usually schedule about an hour for your appointment. We'll take dental X-rays if they're needed to check on your teeth and make sure everything looks healthy. It's a lot like getting an oil change for your car. We're checking to make sure everything is working the way it should.
The cleaning itself usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on how much buildup you have. Everyone is a little different.
What happens during a teeth cleaning?
During a professional dental cleaning, we remove the buildup that naturally accumulates on your teeth over time. Some of that buildup can't be removed with brushing alone, so it requires professional instruments.
Afterward, we polish your teeth with a special polishing paste. This helps remove surface stains, smooths the teeth, and leaves your smile looking cleaner and brighter.
Will the hygienist remove all the tartar during a cleaning?
Yes. Removing tartar is one of the hygienist's primary responsibilities. Tartar is hardened buildup that can't be removed with a toothbrush at home, so we'll remove it during your professional cleaning.
Can a dental cleaning damage your teeth?
No. A professional dental cleaning should not damage your teeth. If anything, it helps protect them by removing harmful buildup and lowering your risk of future dental problems.
How do you treat sensitive teeth after a dental cleaning?
One option we offer our patients is a fluoride treatment after their cleaning. Fluoride can help reduce tooth sensitivity. If you don't want fluoride, that's completely okay.
I also recommend using a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth, preferably one that contains potassium nitrate. Another tip is to skip brushing your teeth the evening after your cleaning. You've already had a professional cleaning that day, so you really don't need to brush again until the next morning.
If you’re looking for dental care you can trust, call us at (832) 662-8466 or email [email protected]. We’re here to help you have the smile you've always wanted!