Even if you practice good oral hygiene at home and brush and floss your teeth daily, you still need a professional cleaning twice a year. A professional cleaning makes your teeth feel super clean and shiny thanks to the professional tools your dental hygienist uses.
Even if you brush multiple times a day, you won’t be able to remove all the plaque and tartar from your teeth. Plaque refers to the bacteria that is always growing on your teeth. if you don’t remove all the plaque from your teeth, it eventually hardens and turns into tartar. You cannot remove tartar at home. Only a dentist’s powerful tools can remove it for good.
When was the last time you had a professional cleaning in your dentist’s chair? If it’s been longer than six months, then you’re due. Contact Galleria Dental of Alexandria. to schedule a cleaning today.
The Process
A dental cleaning often involves a multi-step process to keep your teeth healthy. Typically, your dental hygienist will begin with a physical exam. Using a small mirror, he or she will check your teeth and gums and look for any problems, such as decay, gum disease and any inflammation. If there are concerns, the dentist may look at your mouth before proceeding.
The next step is to proceed with the teeth cleaning. Using a scaler, the hygienist will scrape the plaque and tartar off your teeth and gums. This may take a long time and feel a bit uncomfortable if you haven’t been keeping up with your oral hygiene.
After the tartar has been removed from your teeth, the next step is to brush them. A high-powered electric brush is used to deep clean your teeth to make them shiny and healthy. A gritty flavored toothpaste is used to gently scrub and polish your teeth.
Additional Treatment
The hygienist may also apply fluoride to your teeth. This is most often done for children, since they are prone to cavities. However, some adults may require fluoride as well. The fluoride is painted onto the teeth and often comes in different flavors. At your cleaning, you may or may not need X-rays. X-rays are often done every 1-2 years, depending on how healthy your mouth is.
Contact Our Office Today
A dental cleaning every six months can keep your teeth bright, healthy and shiny. Give your mouth the attention it deserves from our friendly staff. We can clean your teeth to prevent cavities, gum disease and other oral health issues. Contact Galleria Dental of Alexandria. We offer gentle dentistry and personalized care. Schedule a cleaning today.