Getting your teeth cleaned is one of the most important steps you can take in protecting your oral health. It’s recommended that most patients visit their dentist’s office every six months for routine oral exams and dental cleanings, although in certain cases, like when a patient has periodontal disease, more frequent visits may be necessary. If you’re a patient of Dr. Saylor’s, he’ll recommend a dental cleaning schedule for you and a member of our team will schedule your appointments in advance so you never have to worry about it slipping your mind.
Here’s what you need to know about dental cleaning.
Why Teeth Cleaning Is Important
Throughout the day, food debris and bacteria accumulate in our mouths. Brushing and flossing does a good job clearing it away, but sometimes it forms a layer of plaque on our teeth, which you can feel by running your tongue along the tooth surfaces. Plaque, too, can be removed with brushing and flossing, but when it’s not removed and instead allowed to build up, plaque hardens into tartar. Tartar cannot be removed at home and can only be cleaned off with special instruments at the dentist’s office.
Why does it matter? Plaque and tartar release damaging acid into the mouth, which causes decay and gingivitis, a precursor to gum disease. This material also harbors bacteria. The combination is a one-two punch for the teeth and gums, and problems can quickly multiply and increase in severity when not treated promptly.
By having your teeth cleaned every six months, you’re stopping potential problems before they start.
What Happens During Teeth Cleaning
Dental cleanings and exams go hand-in-hand. Your teeth and gums are examined for signs of damage, decay, and inflammation. After this, the dental cleaning begins with scaling, a process in which a handheld tool is used to scrape away plaque and tartar that has collected along the gumline and between the teeth. Tartar removal is the most uncomfortable part of the process, but Dr. Saylor and his team are gentle and particularly mindful of taking special care for patients with tooth sensitivity or dental anxiety. (If you have concerns, contact our office and ask about Dr. Saylor’s anxiety-free dentistry and pain-free dentistry services.)
Next, your teeth are polished with a high-powered electric brush. The toothpaste used is gritty, which helps us clean the teeth better than the standard toothpaste you can buy in stores. Just like at home, flossing and rinsing come next. You may also opt to have a fluoride treatment at the end of your cleaning, which strengthens your teeth to help prevent cavities.
Dental Cleaning Cost
The cost of dental cleaning depends on what is needed during your visit and whether there are complicating factors. That said, teeth cleaning is affordable and should never be put off, avoided, or skipped altogether. When you call our office, we’ll ask you some questions to help determine what the cost will be.
Make an Appointment with Dr. Larry Saylor
Do you need a dental cleaning? Call 813-689-4226 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Saylor at his office in Brandon, FL.
