Honest Care Dental – Dental Cleanings
Few things can affect your long-term health as much as practicing good oral hygiene habits. Along with brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day, visiting the dentist for routine dental exams and professional teeth cleanings can play a critical role in keeping your smile healthy and strong for years to come. On the other hand, failing to do so can have serious consequences that not only affect the function and appearance of your smile but also take a toll on your overall health. At Honest Care Dental in Salem, NH, we want to make maintaining a beautiful smile a no-brainer for you and your family.
We know that going to the dentist isn’t at the top of most people’s list of favorite things to do. That’s why at our dental office in Salem, NH, we make providing convenient, compassionate dental care our top priority. If you can’t remember the last time you had your teeth cleaned at the dentist, here’s everything you should know before scheduling an appointment with our trusted dentist, Dr. McMillan.
What is a Dental Cleaning?
A professional teeth cleaning entails Dr. McMillan removing plaque and tartar build-up from the surface of your teeth and gum line with specialized tools. While this may not seem necessary, especially if your teeth appear to be white, strong, and healthy, plaque and tartar are often unrecognizable to the naked eye, but can quickly lead to serious oral health problems if not removed.
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Is a Dental Cleaning the Same as a Dental Exam?
Although they are usually performed during the same appointment, dental cleanings and dental exams are two entirely separate procedures. Whereas a dental cleaning is administered by a dental hygienist to thoroughly clean your teeth and gums, a dental exam is completed by the dentist.
During dental exams, Dr. McMillan carefully reviews patients’ X-rays, examines their mouths for signs of disease, and recommends any necessary treatment plans to prevent and/or treat oral health problems.
What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?
During your dental cleaning at Honest Care Dental, a Dr. McMillan will:
- Examine the condition of your gum line
- Use specialized tools to gently scrape the surface of your teeth to remove any plaque or tartar buildup
- Thoroughly floss between your teeth
- Use a fluoride paste to polish and protect your teeth
If you’re concerned about a dental cleaning being painful, don’t be. Teeth cleanings are virtually pain-free for most patients and are usually completed in as little as half an hour. Of course, the specific length of your dental cleaning will depend on the condition of your mouth. The process may take a bit longer if it’s been a while since you’ve been to the dentist.
What is the Importance of a Dental Cleaning?
Dental cleanings are critical to keeping one’s teeth and gums healthy. When a patient neglects to have their teeth regularly cleaned at the dentist, they are putting their oral and overall health in jeopardy. This is because, when left untreated, tartar build-up can lead to serious oral health problems, such as:
- Tooth Decay
- Gum Disease
- Tooth Loss
Worse still, poor oral health can lead to illnesses in the rest of your body. For instance, patients with serious dental problems are more inclined to develop conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease.
How Often Should I Get My Teeth Cleaned?
The American Dental Association encourages people of all ages to have their teeth examined and cleaned at the dentist twice a year (or every six months). In some cases, Dr. McMillan may advise you to have your teeth cleaned more frequently to combat a particular oral health problem, such as gum disease. After that problem has been remedied, you can go back to visiting the dentist every six months again.
How Much Does a Dental Cleaning Cost?
Routine dental cleanings are covered by most dental insurance plans. To learn more about your out-of-pocket cost or to see exactly what your dental insurance plan covers, please contact our office.
Keeping your smile healthy and bright doesn’t have to be difficult. At Honest Care Dental, we are committed to making practicing good oral hygiene as simple and enjoyable as possible. Call us today to schedule your routine dental exam and cleaning!
