Getting your teeth cleaned every six months is one of the best ways to keep your smile clean, healthy, and beautiful. When was the last time you had your teeth cleaned by a dentist or hygienist? Professional dental cleanings can access surfaces of the teeth that regular brushing and flossing often miss.
Regular cleanings are one of the most essential dental services for maintaining long-term oral health. Dental cleanings remove excess plaque and tartar, reducing the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, gum recession, and other oral health concerns. Dental cleanings are safe and effective for children and adult patients. Many people assume this is a minor procedure, one that can be delayed with no real consequences for their oral health.
Preventative Family Dentistry Owings Mills, MD
Our family and general dental practice promotes preventive dental care for children and adult patients. Our team helps patients maintain their natural, healthy smiles through proactive dental hygiene and routine dental care. Preventive dentistry helps patients protect the natural integrity and function of the bite.
Our dentists see patients of all ages. Our family dentist office provides a safe, comfortable environment for children and adult patients. We offer high-quality general and restorative dental services and tailor or our treatment plans to the unique needs of our patients.
Brushing and flossing are great ways to keep teeth clean and healthy between your routine dental cleanings. If you have any questions on proper brushing or flossing techniques for you or your child, ask our dental care team on your next visit. We can offer personalized tips on the best way to achieve your brightest smile.
Why Do We Need Dental Cleanings?
- Brushing and flossing can’t remove hardened plaque. While routine brushing and flossing is crucial for removing plaque and preventing serious buildup, this cannot remove hardened plaque, also known as tartar. Over time, tartar can inflame the gums and help weaken tooth enamel, increasing the likelihood of serious oral health issues.
- You should have a cleaning twice a year. The American Dental Association recommends a dental cleaning once every six months. We agree. However, if you have high-risk factors for periodontal disease, we may recommend more frequent visits, such as every three to six months.
- Having your teeth cleaned can help prevent periodontal disease. By removing tartar from your teeth, we reduce the risk of gum inflammation, which can lead to the onset of gingivitis and eventually gum disease. Otherwise, the disease could develop and threaten the health and stability of your smile.
- Clean teeth can also combat halitosis. Having your teeth cleaned also helps reduce the risk of bad breath, which can develop as a result of tartar and plaque. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a visit to have your teeth cleaned, please contact our office today.
Dental cleanings at our Owings Mills Dental Care are thorough and gentle. Our highly trained dental hygienists have special techniques to minimize discomfort and achieve an optimal clean.
Using special tools, the hygienist will clean all surfaces of the teeth. Teeth are thoroughly cleaned and excess plaque and tartar buildup are removed. Patients enjoy a fresh, clean sensation after treatment.
Patients who visit the dentist at least once every six months are less likely to develop complex dental concerns. Taking an active role in your oral health can help you avoid extensive restorative dental procedures and can help you maintain your smile for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can A Deep Dental Cleaning Cure Bad Breath?
A dental cleaning can drastically reduce and even eliminate the symptoms of halitosis. Dentists and hygienists can remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar that are the direct cause of bad breath. We can also provide gum-cleaning treatments for those with severe breathing issues.
Does Insurance cover teeth cleanings?
Yes. Dental insurance plans almost always cover teeth cleanings, which dentists consider a basic and preventative dental service. Routine teeth cleanings at the dentist are an integral part of keeping your oral health in excellent condition. Contact your insurance provider for more information on your specific benefits.
Dental insurance plans almost always cover teeth cleanings, which dentists consider a basic and preventative dental service.
Will a teeth cleaning make my teeth more sensitive?
No. This is a very uncommon issue. Regular dental cleaning will not make your teeth more sensitive in the long run. If you haven’t had a professional dental cleaning in some time, you might leave the dentist office with tender gums and temporary discomfort. You can manage temporary discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Should gums bleed during dental cleaning?
Mild bleeding when brushing or flossing is common and not typically a concern. However, excessive bleeding during a professional dental cleaning may indicate oral problems. Gum inflammation from plaque buildup can cause an increase in sensitivity and bleeding. Bleeding from the hygienist scaling below the gumline is also not unusual. However, if your gums consistently bleed throughout the cleaning, you could have gingivitis or periodontal disease.
Can I get a dental cleaning without an exam?
Mild bleeding when brushing or flossing is common and not typically a concern. However, excessive bleeding during a professional dental cleaning may indicate oral problems. Gum inflammation from plaque buildup can cause an increase in sensitivity and bleeding. Bleeding from the hygienist scaling below the gumline is also not unusual. However, if your gums consistently bleed throughout the cleaning, you could have gingivitis or periodontal disease.
Can you eat before a dental cleaning?
You can eat before a dental cleaning. Small snacks are fine. However, there are some foods that you should avoid. You should avoid sugary foods, food that sticks between your teeth, and crunchy food. Moreover, these foods interfere with the cleaning process. Also, out of consideration for the dental staff, avoiding foods with strong odors is a good idea.
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