What To Expect at Your First Dental Cleaning With Your Family Dentist

family dentist St George, UT

Many feel anxious before their first dental cleaning with a family dentist, but the anxieties can be lessened by having a clear idea of what might take place during the dental cleaning. Of course, every cleaning may look different for each patient, but the ultimate goal and certain steps are fairly constant.

The dental cleaning process from a family dentist

For most family dentists, dental cleanings are a way to keep teeth clean and prevent any oral health concerns from developing. The process typically involves documenting any oral health symptoms the patient has, cleaning the teeth and the gum line thoroughly and educating the patient on ways to keep their teeth clean long-term through good at-home oral hygiene. 

Examine oral health

The first thing the family dentist will do is discuss any outstanding symptoms and conduct an oral health examination, especially if it is an individual's very first dental cleaning. They may also order dental X-rays to get a more accurate idea of the patient’s overall oral health. If there are more severe concerns such as enamel erosion or severe gum disease, then the patient may need additional treatments such as scaling and root planing or a dental filling. 

Remove plaque and tartar

The dental cleaning is not invasive and the patient should experience little to no discomfort. The primary goal is to remove plaque and tartar that develops on the surface of teeth and along the gumline. The family dentist can carefully remove plaque and tartar by hand with safe and effective dental equipment. A common misconception is that one does not need a dental cleaning if they brush regularly. However, a dental cleaning can access areas of the teeth that are hard to reach while brushing and can remove tartar (hardened plaque) that can develop over time regardless of good oral hygiene.

Rinse and polish teeth

Teeth polishing seeks to make teeth more smooth, look better and prevent plaque buildup. Teeth polishing can also be done carefully by hand with small, minimally invasive dental equipment. This step occurs in a dental cleaning after the plaque and tartar are removed and the mouth is rinsed. Patients who are worried about the polishing process can discuss ways to reduce anxiety during treatment with a family dentist. They may suggest things such as wearing headphones to distract themselves and ensure they do not hear the dental tools. 

Discuss good at-home oral care

Although a dental cleaning is a great way to keep teeth and gums clean, it is not a substitute for good oral care at home. A consistent brushing routine, mouthwash and floss are all necessary components of at-home care. A family dentist may also provide educational information to patients following their first dental cleaning to prevent future oral health concerns from developing. 

Discuss dental cleaning with a family dentist

Reach out today to learn more about dental cleanings. Additionally, an appointment can be scheduled with the family dentist to get started!

Request an appointment here: https://www.stgeorgedentalcare.com or call St. George Dental Care at (435) 628-9099 for an appointment in our St George office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

Traditional Vs. Composite Vs. Porcelain Veneers: Which Is The Right Choice For Your Smile?

Having a beautiful smile is something that most of us desire. However, not everyone is born with naturally perfect teeth. Fortunately, veneers can help to correct a variety of cosmetic dental issues, such as stained, chipped, or misshapen teeth. But with so many different types of veneers available, how do you know which one is…

The Importance Of Diagnosing And Treating Dry Mouth

A dry mouth is a condition where the salivary glands in the mouth do not produce enough saliva. This can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including a dry and crumbly tongue membrane, oral lesions, and difficulty swallowing and speaking. Dry mouth can be caused by several reasons that range from medication side effects to…

Dental Anesthesia: The Key To A Comfortable And Relaxing Dental Experience

Going to the dentist can be a daunting experience for many people. The fear of pain and discomfort during dental procedures can cause anxiety and stress, making it difficult for patients to properly take care of their teeth. However, with advancements in dental technology, patients can now undergo procedures with minimal discomfort. One such advancement…

The Health Benefits And Concerns Of Kissing

Kissing is known to be a common and intimate practice all around the world. However, did you know that kissing comes with health benefits and concerns? Kissing not only creates an intimate connection between two people but also offers some benefits. This article helps you learn the health benefits of kissing and how you can…

Recent Posts

Traditional Vs  Composite Vs  Porcelain Veneers: Which Is The Right Choice For Your Smile?

Traditional Vs. Composite Vs. Porcelain Veneers: Which Is The Right Choice For Your Smile?

Having a beautiful smile is something that most of us desire. However, not everyone is born with naturally perfect teeth. Fortunately, veneers can help to correct a variety of cosmetic dental issues, such as stained, chipped, or misshapen teeth. But with so many different types of veneers available, how do you know which one is…

The Importance Of Diagnosing And Treating Dry Mouth

The Importance Of Diagnosing And Treating Dry Mouth

A dry mouth is a condition where the salivary glands in the mouth do not produce enough saliva. This can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including a dry and crumbly tongue membrane, oral lesions, and difficulty swallowing and speaking. Dry mouth can be caused by several reasons that range from medication side effects to…