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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Did you know that our ancestors cleaned their teeth long before toothbrushes as we know them existed? They used twigs, cloths, and even porcupine quills to maintain oral hygiene. Fast forward to the modern day, and we see electric toothbrushes with sophisticated features helping us maintain that perfect smile.But when were toothbrushes invented, and who…
If you’ve experienced the discomfort of sensitive teeth, you know how troublesome it can be. Whether it’s a sharp jolt of pain from sipping a chilled drink or tenderness while brushing, sensitive teeth can affect your everyday life. Thankfully, the right sensitive teeth toothpaste can make a world of difference.At St. George Dental Care, we’re…
Did you know that up to 30% of the population may be genetically predisposed to dental issues, such as weak enamel or gum disease? If you've brushed, flossed, and followed every recommended dental routine yet still face persistent dental problems, your genes might be part of the story. At St. George Dental Care, we understand…
When was the last time you had your teeth cleaned? Spring is the perfect season to refresh not only your surroundings but also your oral health. At St. George Dental Care, we understand the value of a healthy, beautiful smile, which starts with regular dental cleanings. But how long is a dental cleaning, and what…
Did you know that our ancestors cleaned their teeth long before toothbrushes as we know…
If you’ve experienced the discomfort of sensitive teeth, you know how troublesome it can be.…
Did you know that up to 30% of the population may be genetically predisposed to…
When was the last time you had your teeth cleaned? Spring is the perfect season…
Spring is finally here, and for many of us, it's the perfect time to declutter,…
Losing teeth can feel overwhelming, but modern dentistry offers advanced solutions to restore your smile…