Teeth Cleaning

What is a teeth cleaning? 

A teeth cleaning is a standard, in-office procedure. Dr. Young and the team provide cleanings to remove plaque and tartar that build up around your gum line. No matter how well you brush and floss, you can still miss spots that a professional cleaning won't. 

Coming in for your regularly scheduled teeth cleaning helps keep your smile looking great and keeps your breath smelling fresh. Cleanings aren't invasive and don't cause any pain or discomfort. 

What happens during a teeth cleaning? 

During a teeth cleaning, Dr. Young uses a small mirror to look around your mouth and ensure your teeth and gums look healthy. He then uses special dental instruments to carefully scrape plaque and tartar, removing it from the gumline. 

Then, he performs another round of deep cleaning using a high-powered electric toothbrush to remove any leftover bacteria. After a final polish, Dr. Young does a final round of intricate flossing. He points out any problem areas after your cleaning and provides tips to improve your at-home oral hygiene habits. 

In some cases, X-rays will be a part of your teeth cleaning. Dr. Young will order X-rays if he spots any signs of oral health issues during the routine checkup and wants to confirm a diagnosis. 

Why are regular teeth cleanings important? 

If you skip teeth cleanings, you risk plaque buildup around your gumline. Over time, this can lead to inflamed gums, unleashing a domino effect. Inflamed gums lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and even tooth loss. Dental cleanings help get rid of plaque you miss when brushing and flossing. 

Also, your oral health is closely linked to your overall health. Gum disease, for instance, is associated with a heightened risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. So, caring for your oral health is a big part of caring for your overall health. 

How often do I need to come in for a teeth cleaning? 

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends visiting your dentist twice annually for professional teeth cleanings. Dr. Young and the team will only recommend coming in more frequently if you have existing oral health issues or other dental health risk factors he has identified, such as smoking tobacco. 

To schedule your next teeth cleaning, call the office or book an appointment online today.