Scheduling teeth cleanings and attending them might feel like a chore but the experience is well worth it in the long run. Otherwise, stubborn tartar and plaque will remain on your teeth unless professional tools from our West Michigan family dentists are used. Skipping your appointments can be tempting but your teeth and gums may pay the price.
Here’s why receiving a multiple times a year matters for your smile.
How Often Do I Need a Cleaning?
Most dentists, including ours, agree that having your teeth professionally cleaned every 6 months, or twice a year, is best. This accepted standard allows our dentists and hygienists to keep tabs on the health of your teeth and gums.
Now, if you have a history of gum disease or a recent dental issue was found at your last teeth cleaning appointment, you may need to visit one of our offices more frequently. Every patient is different and our staff can advise you on your cleaning timeline should you deviate from the standard.
Regularly brushing and flossing your teeth on your own is beneficial but does not effectively remove all plaque, tartar, and bacteria buildup. If you want to prevent tooth decay and cavity formation, specialized dental tools, a trained hygienist, and regular cleanings are all required.
Are There Different Types of Teeth Cleanings?
Did you know that there are various levels of dental cleanings beyond the standard option? That’s right, though most patients who primarily have healthy teeth and gums will receive the routine type when they visit one of our local family dental offices every 6 months.
If you’ve been a bit forgetful or shy about , our hygienists may take it up a notch and move forward with what’s referred to as “gross debridement”. The name may sound a little funky, but it’s basically just a cleaning that targets extensive plaque buildup and may take slightly longer than the standard affair. This type of professional teeth cleaning is also best for uncovering possible issues that maybe were missed prior to this treatment.
Learn More -> Why You Should See the Dentist Every Six Months
Lastly, for patients with gum disease, we’ll recommend you undergo scaling and root planing which is essentially a deep teeth cleaning. For this procedure, our hygienists work above and below the gum line to remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar. In short, scaling and root planing is great at reducing gum inflammation and promoting healthy reattachment of gum tissue to teeth.
Has it been awhile since you’ve last seen a dentist? Don’t worry. We can pick up where you’ve left off and help get you back on track. It’s our mission to improve and maintain the oral health of each of our patients.
The Ins & Outs of a Teeth Cleaning
A standard teeth cleaning is broken down into 4 main stages. Each component of the cleaning process is painless and relatively quick. The tools used will make various sounds that may sound intimidating but there is nothing to worry about as you are in good hands.
1. An Oral Examination
Every teeth cleaning will begin with an oral examination of your entire mouth. Our hygienists will visually check your teeth and gums for signs of gingivitis or other potential concerns. During this stage, an oral cancer screening for suspicious lumps or bumps may also occur.
2. Removal of Plaque and Tartar
Next, our hygienists will use a small tool called a scaler to help with removing plaque and tartar from around the gum line and in between your teeth. A scraping or scratching noise is normal while this is being done and the more tartar that exists, the more scraping you’ll hear.
3. Teeth Polishing
With tartar gone, our hygienists will move onto the third cleaning stage: polishing. A high-powered electric brush coated in gritty toothpaste is used to deep clean and remove anything left behind. The gritty consistency helps to gently scrub your teeth and is safe when used responsibly by a professional.
4. Flossing
The final stage of a teeth cleaning consists of a flossing session. Our hygienists will expertly floss between your teeth and identify potential bleeding spots as they move throughout your mouth. Any plaque or toothpaste left over is removed at this time.
Main Reasons for Teeth Cleanings
Preventive dental care is our primary focus here at MI Smiles Dental. We want all of our patients to enjoy healthy teeth and gums for life and regular cleanings directly play into that. Overall, teeth cleanings rid your mouth of cavity causing plaque, prevent costly dental problems from arising, and protect you from tooth loss.
Schedule a Teeth Cleaning Today
Prioritize your dental checkups and take teeth cleanings seriously for the sake of your smile. Our family dentists in West Michigan want to help you avoid oral health complications and one way to do that is for you to come in at least twice a year. Call one of our MI Smiles Dental locations today to schedule an appointment.
This blog post has been updated.
