What is dental cleaning?
A dental cleaning is also known as prophylaxis. The dentist or dental hygienist will clean plaque and tartar build-up from the teeth. Without proper oral hygiene, plaque and tartar build-up along the gum line, which can irritate the gums. This can lead to gum disease, which has been linked to serious health issues like heart disease.
Your oral hygiene habits make a big difference when it comes to how often you should have a dental cleaning. Patients who practice good oral hygiene should see their dentist for cleanings on a biannual basis.
What are the different types of dental cleanings?
There are a variety of different cleanings you can choose from. Routine dental cleaning is the most common and is what most people go for to keep their teeth healthy. Routine cleaning should remove plaque, tartar, and stains. Sometimes, the cleaning is combined with X-rays or with an oral cancer screening.
If you have inflamed gums, you may benefit from a deep cleaning. Scaling and root planing removes tartar from below the gum line and from the roots of the teeth. If you have gum disease, dental cleanings may become more frequent.
What happens during a dental exam?
Before your appointment, our hygienist will take a few minutes to discuss any dental problems or concerns that you have. Then, your teeth will be professionally cleaned to remove plaque and tartar build-up. Plaque and tartar build-up can lead to cavities and gum disease, so it’s important to have a professional cleaning every six months. The dental exam would include dental x-rays, cavity detection, fillings, oral cleaning, oral cancer screening, and a comprehensive diagnosis of the mouth.
What are the benefits of dental exams?
There are a number of benefits to getting regular dental exams. One of the most important benefits is detecting and preventing dental issues early on so that you can avoid more invasive, expensive procedures later. Early detection of cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and other common dental issues means that treatment is easier and less invasive for patients.
When should kids start getting dental exams?
We recommend children start getting dental exams around their first birthday. This visit will be short and focused on allowing the child to get comfortable in the dentist’s office. The dentist will examine the child’s teeth, gums, and bite. The dentist can also provide information on when the child should visit the dentist for routine cleanings and exams.
To find out more about the dental services offered at our dental practice by Dr. Lindbeck, call (760)-747-3988 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit Dentist Escondido, CA at 661 E Grand Ave, Escondido 92025.