Teeth cleanings West Michigan dentists

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 dentists are used. Skipping your appointments can be tempting but your teeth and gums may pay the price.

Here’s why receiving a teeth cleaning at least twice a year matters for your smile.

Frequency Standard for Teeth Cleanings 

Most dentists, including ours, agree that you should have your teeth professionally cleaned every 6 months, or twice a year. This accepted standard allows our dentists and our dental 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 appointment, you may need to visit one of our offices more frequently. Every patient is different and our staff can advise you on your teeth 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.

The Ins & Outs of a Teeth Cleaning

A 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.

A standard teeth cleaning consists of:

  1. An Oral Examination
  2. Removal of Plaque and Tartar
  3. Teeth Polishing
  4. Flossing

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 carefully remove plaque and hardened tartar from around the gum line and in between your teeth. Scraping 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.

Reasoning for Teeth Cleanings

Prevention is our primary mission 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.

In short, teeth cleanings rid your mouth of cavity causing plaque, prevent costly dental problems from arising, and protect you from tooth loss.

Don’t Miss Out, Give Us a Call

Prioritize your dental checkups and take teeth cleanings seriously for the sake of your smile. Our 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.