For most of your life, you’ve been told to brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash at least twice per day to maintain oral health. It’s something that has been drilled into our mental framework since we were kids.
But do you know what happens if you don’t?
For starters, plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) will start to develop on the surface of your teeth and gums. And if not removed by brushing, plaque can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist.
And you know what that means, Staten Island.
With plaque and tartar comes a host of other dental issues.
Bad breath, tooth decay, cavities, gum disease (gingivitis, periodontitis), staining, discoloration, infections, sensitivity – these are just some of the things that can go wrong if you don’t regularly clean your teeth.
So, how often do we need dental cleanings?
Even those who brush, floss, and rinse twice per day should see their dentist at least twice per year for a routine dental cleaning – not just for the cleaning benefit, but for the dental exam that often comes with it.
A dental cleaning generally starts the moment you walk into your dentist’s office. The appointment will begin with a brief questionnaire to learn a little more about your dental health, history, habits, and more.
This is almost always followed by a physical exam – including x-rays, if necessary.
The exam is a crucial part of the dental cleaning process because it gives your dentist a closer look at your teeth – which allows them to investigate, analyze, and determine just how healthy your teeth are.
The actual dental cleaning will consist of four primary steps (for most people):
Scaling. Your hygienist uses a scaler, a hand-held instrument, or an ultrasonic scaler that uses vibrations and a stream of water to break up and remove the plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth.
Polishing. After scaling, the hygienist uses a high-powered electric brush and a gritty toothpaste-like substance (prophylaxis paste) to polish the teeth and remove any stains, imperfections, or leftover tartar.
Flossing. After polishing, the hygienist uses dental floss to clean between each tooth, like you should be doing at home. They may also demonstrate proper flossing techniques for you to follow at home.
Fluoride. Using a special gel, your hygienist will apply fluoride to the teeth to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay.
From start to finish, most patients can expect a dental cleaning to take anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour. Deep cleanings and cleanings combined with other preventive measures will take longer than that.
The primary purpose of a dental cleaning is to remove plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth, as well as taking any other measures to prevent plaque and tartar from continuing to build up in the future.
It’s similar to what you do at home – but much more thorough and detailed.
Not only does your dentist have tools and equipment that the average bathroom doesn’t have, but they have the knowledge and experience to detect and treat dental issues before they become a problem.
With that said, here are some of the major benefits of routine dental cleanings:
And if that’s not enough to convince you that a routine dental cleaning is necessary, just remember – there are 8,760 hours in a year and we’re only asking you to give up two of those hours.
A dental cleaning and a dental check-up are often combined into one dental appointment, and the primary goal is the same for both of them, but there are times when a patient will only want or need one of them.
To prevent any confusion and encourage transparency, let’s look at the difference between the two…
As explained above, dental cleanings usually consist of scaling, polishing, flossing, and fluoride treatment.
The average dental check-up consists of X-rays, a physical examination, and screening for oral cancer.
As your dentist gets a closer look at your teeth and overall oral health, they’ll start to form a treatment plan (and give you advice for your efforts at home) to address any concerns or issues they might have.
Has it been more than six months since your last dental cleaning? Can you see or feel the plaque forming on the surface of your teeth? Are you worried your dental habits are putting your oral health at risk?
If you answered ‘yes’ to any of those questions, then don’t worry – you’ve come to the right place.
Welcome to Healthy Smiles – where Staten Island goes for a cleaner, whiter, and healthier smile.
Our state-of-the-art facility offers a comfortable and welcoming environment for every patient, ensuring each visit is a pleasant experience – even for those who experience dental anxiety or fear of the dentist.
Don't wait until problems arise – contact us today or call us at (718) 948-1600 to schedule your routine cleaning and take the necessary steps towards a healthier, more confident smile.
