What is a Dental Cleaning?
Even if you have a perfect oral hygiene routine at home, it can still be beneficial for you to schedule a professional cleaning at Tupelo Smiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry at least twice a year. Using state-of-the-art tools, a biannual dental cleaning (prophylaxis) eliminates built-up plaque and tartar while polishing the enamel for a brighter, healthier smile. During your treatment, you can receive tips on caring for your teeth at home and learn if there are certain areas that may need more attention. A dental cleaning will also give our team the opportunity to look for any problem areas in the mouth that might require further care. Having a dental cleaning is an important step in keeping up your family's dental health. Get in touch with our friendly Tupelo, MS office today to reserve dental cleaning visits for you and your loved ones.
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Is a Dental Cleaning Right for me?
The American Dental Association (ADA) suggests people receive professional dental cleanings two times each year. Infants should have their first visit to the dentist before they turn a year old. Following that, family dentists Doctors Richard Caron and John Kenney will help you decide when your child is ready for their next appointment. A professional cleaning can help you avoid cavities since built-up bacterial plaque, the biggest cause of tooth decay and gum (periodontal) disease, is removed. A cleaning will also remove tartar and stains from the teeth. If you want to freshen your breath, brighten your smile, boost your health, and save money in the long run, schedule a cleaning for your whole family at Tupelo Smiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry.
What Can I Expect During a Dental Cleaning?
Your cleaning will begin by addressing the plaque and tartar deposits on your teeth. While plaque is soft and can be removed rather easily with thorough home care hygiene techniques, tartar is more tenacious and difficult to remove at home with just daily brushing and flossing. Special instruments are used to carefully and gently remove plaque and tartar without affecting the enamel. First, our team may utilize a device with ultrasonic technology to loosen large pieces of plaque and tartar with high-speed vibrations and a lubricating mist. Next, handheld tools, such as a scaler or curette, will be applied to remove smaller deposits. Every tooth will be treated individually to eliminate all of the tartar and plaque buildup. After the teeth are clean, your enamel will be polished to remove surface stains and provide a smooth feel. If requested or needed, a professional fluoride treatment can be completed after your cleaning.
What Happens After a Dental Cleaning?
Doctors Caron and Kenney may suggest cleanings more frequently for some patients, including those with concerns such as periodontal (gum) disease. During your treatment, our skilled dental hygienists can help you design a routine for good oral health at home by demonstrating techniques or recommending products that can address your needs. Keeping up with routine preventive dental cleanings at Tupelo Smiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry is advantageous for your teeth and overall health and may save you from needing more extensive and costlier care in the future.
Dental Cleaning FAQs
What if I miss a dental cleaning?
We understand that life can get busy, but it is important to try and keep your regularly scheduled cleaning appointments every six months. Should you miss a cleaning or go longer than six months between appointments on a rare occasion, try not to worry. Simply call us to reschedule your appointment as soon as possible.
Will a dental cleaning make my gums bleed?
Most patients find routine dental cleanings to be comfortable and uneventful. However, patients who have sensitive teeth and gums, as well as those who may have gingivitis or other types of periodontal disease, may experience mild discomfort, bleeding gums, and other symptoms during a dental cleaning. In many cases, these are signs that your teeth definitely need cleaning and care, making it more important than ever to stay on your regular in-office cleaning schedule. We are committed to your comfort at Tupelo Smiles and will discuss sedation and other options, if necessary, to make your experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
When can I eat again after getting my teeth cleaned?
Following treatment, our team will discuss aftercare instructions with you based on the specific steps and treatments that were performed during your dental cleanings. In some cases, patients may be able to resume their normal routines almost immediately after getting a teeth cleaning, while others may be advised to wait a short period of time before eating and drinking - particularly if a fluoride treatment was included in your cleaning.
Professional Dental Cleaning
Keep your teeth healthy with professional dental cleanings at least twice a year at Tupelo Smiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Tupelo, MS. doctors Caron and Kenney and our hygiene team are proud to help both adults and children boost their total health with professional dental cleanings to remove built-up plaque and tartar. As an important part of a proactive oral health plan, a professional dental prophylaxis can freshen your breath, minimize your risk of tooth decay and gum disease, and reduce your need for future care. Contact our caring team today to make dental cleaning appointments for yourself and all members of your family.