Teeth Cleaning & Exams Specialist

What happens during a dental cleaning?

First, there's an exam. Your dentist at Allen and Schwarz Dental begins by visually looking over your teeth and assessing your gum health, looking for any apparent abnormalities. X-rays may be considered if you're due for them.

Your dentist also performs an oral cancer screening during the exam before your cleaning. By identifying the warning signs of mouth cancer such as precancerous lesions early, your dentist can remove them or prescribe other effective treatments to avoid the serious or possibly deadly effects of cancer.

The actual dental cleaning process begins after your X-rays. The hygienist or dentist uses a small metal tool with pointed ends to remove harmful plaque and tartar from your teeth. This part may go quickly, or it may take some time. It depends on how much plaque and tartar buildup you have.

After the plaque and tartar buildup has been removed, the hygienist or dentist brushes and polishes your teeth using a high-powered brush and special toothpaste. The brushing is followed by professional flossing. Lastly, you might receive a fluoride treatment to help protect your oral health until your next cleaning.

How often should I go to the dentist for a teeth cleaning?

Dental cleaning frequency varies from person to person and depends on a variety of factors. Twice a year is the standard recommendation. If you have a history of gum disease or other oral health issues like mouth cancer or precancerous lesions, you may want to have your teeth cleaned more often.

The American Dental Association recommends discussing your personal dental cleaning needs with your dentist.

Even when the procedure is as simple as routine dental cleaning, talking to the professionals at Allen and Schwarz Dental about your personal needs is an important part of getting excellent care.

Everyone has different needs, especially when it comes to his or her health. Meet your dental health needs by following a plan that's been designed just for you, not by following a general plan for the average person.

Do dental cleanings impact other aspects of my health?

Your overall health is linked to your oral health. Your mouth is connected to the rest of your body, and oral health is integral to good health.

There's a chance that regular dental cleanings could lower your risk of pneumonia, suggest the findings of a 2016 study. The belief is that dental cleanings cut back on the number of bacteria that enter your lungs.

Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other conditions have also been linked to oral health. Routine dental cleanings, checkups, oral cancer screenings, and maybe most importantly, talking with your dentist, all play a crucial role in maintaining exceptional health.

If you're due for a dental cleaning, call Allen and Schwarz Dental or schedule your appointment online.