Plaque, naturally, builds up on teeth and around the gum line. If left for too long in one spot, it can transform into stubborn tartar. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing, and using mouthwash are all recommended by our dentists in Jacksonville and Live Oak, FL, but at-home routines can’t eliminate everything, especially tartar. That’s where teeth cleanings performed by our dental hygienists come in every 6 months.
Here are the basics of a .
Order of Events
The nice thing about going in for a teeth cleaning is the predictability. Unless there’s another immediate issue that needs to be addressed first or you’re due for dental X-rays, you can expect each cleaning to go through the same motions every time.
One of our hygienists will start the appointment by examining your mouth to ensure there are no concerning lumps, bumps, lesions, signs of gum recession, or evidence of cavities. Any gum disease symptoms will also be noted at this time. If something requires a closer look before moving forward, we will call in one of the dentists.
However, assuming all is well, we’ll begin removing plaque and tartar with a tool known as a “scaler”. This dental instrument helps our staff gently scrape away buildup that’s been left behind. A scraping noise is perfectly normal as we work to get rid of hardened tartar but if you’d like to reduce the amount you hear, we recommend more avid brushing and flossing at home.
Next, our hygienist will use a high-powered electric brush in combination with a gritty toothpaste (your choice of flavor) to further clean and polish your teeth. This step clears out any tartar that may have been missed by the scaler. We’ll follow up the brushing with a quick flossing session before giving you a final rinse and wrapping up the visit with a closing exam from one of our dentists.
Frequency Is Key
As mentioned above, the standard recommendation is that you receive a teeth cleaning every 6 months or twice a year. Most patients fall into this category but there are some instances where our dentists may encourage you to visit us more frequently.
For example, if you have gum disease, we can help you better manage your condition with cleanings every 3-4 months. Whatever the time frame ends up being, we’ll be sure to keep you up-to-date with what’s required so you can enjoy a fresh and clean smile.
Pencil In Your Next Cleaning
Our L, can help you start cleanings at our office and get you back on track if needed. Call one of our Higgins & White Dentistry locations today or request an appointment online.