The ADA recommends that patients receive a professional dental cleaning twice a year.
Dental cleanings thoroughly clean all surfaces of your teeth and gums. Performed by one of our dental hygienists, teeth cleanings are a routine procedure that improves oral health and helps to maintain your natural smile. Using special tools and polishes, your hygienist is able to remove plaque and tartar buildup in hard-to-reach places.
Brushing and flossing are both daily essentials for maintaining your oral health in between dental visits. Brushing and flossing remove debris before it turns into cavity-causing plaque and tartar. The Palmetto Smiles dental care team can make personalized and age-appropriate recommendations for improving your oral hygiene habits during your routine dental health exams.
Routine Dental Cleanings in Florence, SC
A patient who visits the dentist at least twice a year for an oral health exam and routine dental cleaning is less likely to experience advanced dental concerns. Routine teeth cleanings prevent the build-up of plaque and tartar and manage the spread of disease-causing bacteria.
Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in American adults. Gum disease is a bacterial infection that spreads throughout the gum tissue, forming deep periodontal pockets. Gums become inflamed and peel away from the teeth, making the patients susceptible to bleeding and receding gums as well as tooth loss, bone recession, and facial sagging.
Biannually dental cleanings help keep oral bacteria in check and prevent the progression of gum disease. For many patients with the early stages of gum disease, known as gingivitis, professional teeth cleanings can clear the gums of bacteria and prevent further damage.
What Happens During a Dental Cleaning
A dental cleaning includes several important steps designed to thoroughly clean and protect your teeth. A dental hygienist begins by examining your mouth for signs of inflammation, decay, or other concerns. This initial evaluation ensures the cleaning process proceeds safely and effectively.
Next, the hygienist removes plaque and tartar using specialized tools. These instruments allow precise cleaning around the gumline and between teeth. While patients may hear scraping sounds, the process remains gentle and controlled. Removing hardened tartar significantly improves gum health.
After removing buildup, the hygienist polishes the teeth using a professional-grade paste. Polishing smooths tooth surfaces and helps remove surface stains. Smooth teeth resist plaque buildup more effectively. This step also leaves teeth feeling fresh and clean.
Many cleanings include fluoride treatment to strengthen enamel and provide added protection against cavities. Fluoride helps remineralize enamel and increase resistance to acid attacks. Dentists recommend fluoride based on individual risk factors. Each step of the cleaning process supports long-term oral health.
Dental Cleanings and Gum Health
Healthy gums provide the foundation for strong teeth. Dental cleanings remove bacteria that cause gum inflammation and bleeding. When plaque accumulates near the gumline, it triggers an immune response that damages gum tissue. Cleanings disrupt this process and promote healing.
Early-stage gum disease, known as gingivitis, often reverses with consistent cleanings and improved home care. Without intervention, gingivitis can progress into periodontitis, which damages bone and connective tissue. Dental cleanings play a critical role in preventing this progression.
For patients with existing gum disease, specialized cleanings may be necessary. These deeper cleanings target bacteria below the gumline. Dentists develop personalized treatment plans to restore gum health. Ongoing maintenance cleanings help stabilize results.
Schedule Your Routine Teeth Cleaning Today
Is it time for your next biannual dental cleaning? Contact Palmetto Smiles to experience our high-quality, compassionate dental care. Our team focuses on the maintenance and care of your natural smile so that you can enjoy your optimal oral health for years to come. Contact our Florence, SC dentist office at 843-203-5155 or request an appointment online.