Dental CleaningFederal Way, WA Have regular professional teeth cleanings is important to keep your gums and teeth clean and healthy. Your mouth hosts lots of harmful bacteria and debris, which when left to continue thriving, may develop into plaque and tartar or even gum disease. Your regular brushing and flossing at home may remove the plaque, however, it may not get rid of the stickier tartar. A professional teeth cleaning is able to remove the stubborn tartar as well as any plaque present in gum pockets. A dental cleaning is a 30 to a 60 minute dental procedure that can make a big difference between experiencing cavities and decay or having healthy, strong teeth and gums. A visit to 253 Dental Care helps you understand the importance of a professional dental cleaning and why it is important you come to our office for the procedure. Teeth Cleaning ProcedureA dental cleaning procedure done by our dentist will take 30 to 60 minutes. It typically involves the following steps. Physical ExaminationOur dental hygienist will perform your teeth cleaning. Before starting the cleaning, he or she will use a mirror to examine your gums for any inflammation or other concerns. We will look for any issues like swollen gums, presence of plaque and tartar, or dark spots forming on the teeth. Examining the mouth helps determine what to focus on when performing the cleaning. Serious issues like gum disease and tooth decay will require further examination and treatment. ScalingOur dentist will use a scaler to take out the plaque from the surface of your teeth, between your teeth, and near the gum line. The dentist may use either a manual scaler or an automatic one. Polishing and FlossingThe dentist will use a prophylaxis paste and an electrical tool consisting of a rubber prophy cup. The tool helps remove any stains and polishes the teeth. During this process, you will feel a gentle grinding motion within the surface of the teeth. The dentist will floss your teeth to get rid of any remaining paste and plaque. A fluoride treatment may be done to help fight cavities. The dentist places the gel in a mouthpiece that you wear for a minute or so. Why You Need Dental CleaningsIn addition to keeping our smiles bright, professional teeth cleanings have several benefits to your general and oral health. The oral examination our dentist performs, including an x-ray, helps determine whether you have an underlying condition that cannot be detected by oral examination. For example, the x-ray will tell if you need any dental correction or if there is the presence of an infection. Teeth cleaning prevents gum disease and stains. The build-up of plaque causes periodontal disease, which can lead to decay. Teeth cleaning also prevents bad breath and loss of teeth. Additionally, gum disease can lead to other health issues, including heart disease. Our dentist recommends regular cleanings, at least twice a year, to prevent plaque and bacteria buildup. Bacteria in the mouth can be breathed into the lungs, causing bronchitis or pneumonia. Preventive dental care is vital to your oral and overall health. It can help identify any hidden oral health problems early. To maintain your bright smile, you can visit us at 253 Dental Care. Reach us at (253) 838-9333 for consultation on dental cleanings. |
