Visiting the dentist is never the first thing on anyone’s to-do list, but no matter how much you try to avoid it, scheduling a regular dental cleaning twice a year is essential to your oral health. Though some may not think that teeth cleaning does much more than your regular daily toothbrush, getting a professional tooth cleaning from your dentist has many benefits that you may not even think of.

Walden Square Dental Care understands there may be some mystery behind regular dental cleaning. Before you schedule an appointment, we believe you should understand the importance of teeth cleaning and good dental hygiene. Here are some commonly asked questions about regular teeth cleaning:

1. Why is a regular dental cleaning important?

In short, brushing your teeth can clean your teeth to a certain extent, however, it cannot completely stop the buildup of plaque or tartar that may occur on your teeth. Eventually, this can lead to tooth decay. Your dentist will be able to remove all the buildup on your teeth, getting rid of any bacteria or debris that may be lingering and giving you a “fresh start” the next time you brush your teeth. Plus, your dentist will be able to check for other oral health issues, such as cavities or gum disease, and advise you on how to treat it.

1. What happens during teeth cleaning?

First, a dental hygienist will come and perform a physical exam on your teeth, checking for inflamed gums, or any other potential issues. Then, the hygienist will remove any plaque and tartar by scaling your teeth, scraping off all the plaque and tartar off. After, they will apply a gritty toothpaste-like cleaner to an electric brush, removing all the excess debris that couldn’t be removed during scaling. The paste has a gritty and rough consistency that will help remove anything on your teeth, so don’t be alarmed by the sound! When this is done, they will floss your teeth and ask you to rinse your mouth to remove everything that may have been flown off into your mouth during the cleaning process. From here, your dentist may provide a fluoride treatment to help protect you against cavities, or perform an x-ray to check for any other potential conditions.

1. How often should I visit the dentist?

For teeth cleaning, we recommend scheduling a dentist appointment twice a year and having an x-ray done during an appointment at least once a year.

1. What is the cost of a dental cleaning?

With most insurance companies, patients will be able to receive teeth cleanings without paying anything out of pocket, making the cost essentially free!

1. What should I do while brushing my teeth and between each dental visit?

Brushing your teeth regularly and practicing good dental hygiene will ensure that each dental appointment is as easy and as stress-free as possible. Here are some regular teeth cleaning tips we recommend practicing between every visit:

• ● Brush your teeth twice daily.
• ● Use toothpaste with fluoride to prevent cavities from forming.
• ● Floss every day!
• ● Use a mouthwash to help manage plaque bacteria and keep your breath fresh.
• ● Change your toothbrush out every 3-4 months.

Whether you’re in search of a dentist for teeth cleaning or other oral hygiene concerns, Walden Square Dental Care is here to help you achieve beautiful smiles for a lifetime. We give personal attention and care to each of our patients because we believe that the best dental care is given in a comfortable environment. Serving the Grayslake, Gurnee, and Libertyville, IL areas since 1995, our patients trust us to give them high-quality dental care, and we guarantee your satisfaction. Visit our website for more information, schedule an appointment, or give us a call at 847-223-0110.

Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-oral-health/what-happens-during-a-tooth-cleaning#other-steps
https://alamoanadentalcare.com/teeth-cleanings-are-important-2/