Dental cleanings from a general dentist are essential to keeping your smile healthy and looking its best. A dentist performs routine cleanings to rid the teeth and gums of tartar, a calcified plaque that brushing does not remove. Tartar buildup on teeth surfaces gives them a yellow color because tartar picks up stains and discoloration easier than tooth enamel. Removing tartar deposits on teeth reduces stains on a person's teeth. Also, if left untreated, tartar buildup can lead to a host of dental problems, including tooth decay and gum disease. Therefore, those who want to maintain both the look and health of their teeth must have regular dental cleanings.
So, what is meant by regular dental cleanings? That depends on the patient. For the average patient, our general dentist recommends coming once every six months. However, people with gum disease might need them more frequently, depending on their condition. For example, patients more prone to tooth decay or gum disease may need to come in for teeth cleaning every three months. Also, those with gum disease will likely need a deeper dental cleaning. A general dentist assesses each patient's situation and makes customized recommendations based on the patient's unique needs.
Regular cleanings allow a general dentist to catch small dental problems before they become big ones. Early detection is a leading reason dentists recommend routine visits at regular intervals. In fact, many dental issues can be treated inexpensively with little to no invasiveness if caught in their early stages. For example, gum disease starts as gingivitis, the reversible form of periodontitis. Cavities caught early can be remedied with a simple dental filling procedure. Also, a cavity caught before reaching the pulp in the tooth's center prevents toothaches and the need for root canal procedures. In this way, regular dental cleanings save patients time, discomfort, and money.
Another important reason for regular dental cleanings is the link between the health of the mouth and the health of the rest of the body. We are increasingly learning just how strong the link between oral and systemic health is. For example, gum disease is linked to serious health issues like diabetes and heart disease. Not only can gum disease worsen these health issues, but also these health issues can worsen gum disease. Skipping regular cleanings allows tartar deposits to build up on teeth, negatively affecting a person's dental health. This negative impact can have far-reaching consequences that go beyond oral health issues.
Preventing tartar buildup beings with good oral hygiene at home and having a consistent dental health routine. Dentists recommend brushing at least twice daily to remove plaque from teeth before it gets a chance to harden into tartar. Tartar control toothpaste can also help to minimize the buildup of tartar on teeth. Flossing helps to remove plaque from spaces between teeth, protecting these areas from tartar buildup.
Those with orthodontic appliances or other dental work may need extra help in this area. Having appliances and restorations in the mouth can create many hard-to-reach places that can trap plaque and tartar. Dentists recommend using tools such as interdental brushes and floss threaders to clean in and around orthodontics and dental work. Some patients find using a water flosser also helps.
Teeth cleanings are non-invasive procedures associated with little to no discomfort. Because sedation and anesthetics are rarely required for teeth cleanings, patients can drive themselves home afterward. During the treatment, the dentist uses a scaler to remove tartar deposits from teeth surfaces and flosses the spaces between the patient's teeth. This is typically followed by tooth polishing to give the patient's teeth more shine. For extra protection from tooth decay, a dentist may recommend a fluoride treatment. A fluoride treatment tends to be standard for young patients. However, adults may benefit from them as well.
During the appointment, the dentist will examine the patient's mouth, looking for developing issues. Depending on the patient's risk factors, the dentist might perform an oral cancer screening. If this is a patient's first time at a dentist, X-rays may be taken as part of the appointment. The entire process takes anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour.
Dental cleanings from a general dentist remove tartar deposits from teeth, protecting you against tooth decay and gum disease. These cleanings can protect not only the health of your mouth but your overall health. A dental cleaning is a non-invasive procedure that does not require anesthetics or sedation. Therefore, you will be free to return to regular activities after your appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.grovedentaljc.com or call Grove Dental Center at (201) 581-6070 for an appointment in our Jersey City office.
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