Take Control of Your Dental Health with Dental Cleanings
With your hands full of personal, family, and job responsibilities, squeezing time for a dental appointment can fall by the wayside. Yes, we understand you brush and floss your teeth daily, but that’s not enough for your dental health. Since it’s practically impossible to reach every corner of your mouth with at-home oral hygiene, you need the help of a dentist to access the hard-to-reach spots in your mouth.
Has it been years since you last saw a dentist? It’s never too late to save your dental health. If you are a resident of Ridgewood, New Jersey and its environs, please schedule an appointment with Ridgewood Dentistry for professional teeth cleaning.
What to expect during a dental cleaning?
We recommend professional dental cleaning every six months. However, if you are at risk of gum disease and cavities, you may need to see a dentist sooner. A dental cleaning or oral prophylaxis is one of the most straightforward procedures. The procedure begins with a dental exam. We examine your mouth physically and use dental x-rays to detect cavities, gum disease, tooth decay, and other dental problems. If we find issues, we will recommend corrective care before a dental cleaning.
If your oral health is in great shape, we can proceed with a prophy. We use an ultrasonic scaler to remove stains, plaque, and tartar on your teeth’s surface and beneath and above your gum line. The procedure may take 30-60 minutes, depending on how well you care for your teeth at home. Before letting you go, we polish your teeth to remove surface stains for a stunning smile.
We expect to see you in the next six months. But in between, brush and floss daily, and your next dental cleaning will be a bit quicker.
Benefits of Dental Cleanings
It’s easy to draw up a list of excuses to put off your dental cleanings. From a busy life to a dwindling economy, you have plenty of reasons to miss a dental exam. However, if there is something that’s gotta give, let it not be your smile. Routine dental cleanings offer many benefits, including:
- They prevent gum disease
- They fight off cavities
- Dental cleanings prevent bad breath
- They remove surface stains for a whiter smile
- They prevent costly and invasive restorative procedures
Routine dental check-ups are essential in preventive dental care — you can’t afford to skip them! Get started on the journey towards total oral health by dialing (201) 448-8605 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Warren Boardman. Ridgewood Dentistry will help you establish a strong foundation for a lifetime of good dental health.
Dental Cleaning FAQs
Why are dental cleanings necessary if I brush and floss daily?
Even with excellent at-home oral care, plaque and tartar can still build up in areas your toothbrush and floss can’t reach. Professional dental cleanings remove these deposits, preventing cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Dental cleanings also allow your dentist to check for early signs of oral health problems, like decay or gum inflammation, which might go unnoticed otherwise.
Do dental cleanings help prevent gum disease?
Dental cleanings are one of the most effective ways to prevent gum disease. Plaque buildup along the gumline can lead to gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. If not removed, this plaque hardens into tartar, causing inflammation and eventually leading to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease. Regular cleanings remove plaque and tartar, reducing your risk of gum disease and promoting healthier gums.
Can’t I scrape plaque off my teeth at home?
It’s not safe or effective to try removing plaque or tartar at home. Dental cleanings use specialized tools, like scalers and ultrasonic instruments, operated by trained professionals. These tools are designed to remove buildup without damaging your enamel or gums. Attempting to scrape your teeth at home can cause injuries, enamel damage, or even infections.
Are dental cleanings painful?
For most people, dental cleanings are not painful. You might feel slight discomfort if you have sensitive teeth or significant tartar buildup, but dentists and hygienists work gently to ensure your comfort. If you’re concerned about pain, let your dental team know. They can use numbing gels or adjust their techniques to make the process more comfortable for you.
How often do I need a dental cleaning?
The general recommendation is to get a dental cleaning every six months, which can vary depending on your oral health. People with a history of gum disease, heavy tartar buildup, or certain medical conditions may benefit from more frequent cleanings. Skipping cleanings allows plaque and tartar to accumulate, increasing the risk of decay and gum problems.
What if my teeth look and feel fine? Do I still need a cleaning?
Even if your teeth look and feel fine, there may be underlying issues that only a dentist or hygienist can detect. Plaque and tartar can hide in hard-to-reach areas, and early stages of gum disease often have no symptoms. Regular cleanings help catch potential problems early, saving you from more extensive (and expensive) treatments in the future.
How do dental cleanings benefit my overall health?
Dental cleanings improve oral health and can benefit overall health. Poor oral hygiene has been linked to serious health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Removing harmful bacteria through regular cleanings reduces the risk of these systemic health issues, helping you maintain better overall well-being.
