A General Dentist Answers Dental Cleaning FAQs

Your general dentist serves a critical role in your oral wellness. If it has been a while since your last wellness checkup, you should schedule a visit. It is helpful to understand what will take place during this trip. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more comfortable. Your general dentist has the knowledge and training to give you the help you need to get your health on track.

How does an individual prepare for appointments?

Patients should not wait for a trip to the dentist’s office to think about their oral well-being. Consistent care and attention are required for strong, healthy teeth and gums. People of all ages must brush their teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and a fluoride-based toothpaste. Daily flossing will also help eliminate bacteria and reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease. Patients should reduce their intake of foods and beverages high in sugar as well.

What is the ideal frequency and duration of dental cleanings?

Children and adults should make an appointment with a general dentist at least every six months. Teeth-cleaning appointments should start from the time a child starts getting teeth. Each visit usually lasts no more than an hour. In between appointments, some patients may need to come in more often. More frequent visits are necessary if the person has tooth pain, bleeding from the gums, or other concerns.

How will the general dentist handle deep cleaning?

Regular brushing helps to keep teeth healthy, white, and free from decay. However, this alone cannot always remove some of the toughest buildup. At a dental cleaning, the dentist or hygienist will use an ultrasonic tool to scrape away plaque and tartar. The tool will clean every side of every tooth in the mouth.

Is there minimal pain and discomfort?

Some people have anxiety and fear about going to the dentist’s office for a cleaning. The good news is that this process should not be painful at all. There may be some vibrations in the mouth and different sensations that the person is not used to. However, the dentist and hygienist will be mindful of the person’s comfort.

What is the importance of cleanings?

A teeth-cleaning appointment with the general dentist will do more than help a person’s teeth look nice. This procedure can prevent serious problems from developing. The buildup of plaque and tartar can cause tooth decay. Untreated, this can be painful and may lead to infections. A semiannual cleaning will remove this buildup and keep teeth and gums free of these problems. These visits can also establish good habits for the person to keep throughout life.

What happens during a dental cleaning appointment?

The general dentist will ask the patient to sit and be comfortable in the dental treatment chair. A protective cloth will cover the patient’s chest. The inspection of the mouth will start. Then, the dental cleaning will begin with plaque and calculus removal using an ultrasonic tool or a manual, handheld tool. An electric toothbrush will clean the teeth with gritty toothpaste. The rough feel of the toothpaste will fade later on.

What should a person do at home to maintain the results of dental cleaning?

Brushing the teeth in the morning and before bedtime, as well as after every meal, is important. Doing so for two minutes at a time can remove plaque and food particles. Flossing before bed and using antibacterial mouthwash can help keep the teeth and gums healthy. Maintaining these habits can extend the results of the recent dental cleaning and keep the teeth clean in between appointments.

Changing the toothbrush every two to three months is ideal. Sticking with a soft-bristled toothbrush can prevent enamel erosion and bleeding gums. Seeing the general dentist right away for any dental pain is important. This can give way to the early detection and treatment of dental issues.

You should not miss an appointment

Your life is busy, and you have many demands on your time. Still, you should not put off a wellness checkup with the general dentist. Make sure you schedule time every six months to see the dentist. This teeth-cleaning appointment is vital to your oral health and overall wellness. If you have not been diligent about going to the dentist’s office, resolve to change your priorities. Call the office today and set up a time for your next cleaning.

Request an appointment here: https://palmbeachinstituteofdentistry.com or call Palm Beach Institute of Dentistry at (561) 429-2196 for an appointment in our West Palm Beach office.

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