Dental Cleanings
St. Joseph, Michigan
Routine dental cleanings are an integral component of good oral hygiene. Not only do they enhance the health of your teeth and gums, but they also provide an opportunity to detect dental problems in their earliest stages, when they are easiest to treat. At Michigan Coast Dental, we take dental cleanings very seriously and always emphasize the importance of prevention as the best approach to maintaining optimal dental health over the long term.
How Often Should You Get Your Teeth Professionally Cleaned?
The frequency of dental cleanings will depend on your unique needs. General guidelines state that patients should schedule professional cleanings every six months. While this is ideal for most people, individuals with gum disease or those prone to developing dental problems, including tooth decay, require more frequent dental care.
Why Are Dental Cleanings Necessary?
Regular dental cleanings are necessary for your oral health. Removing plaque and tartar buildup lowers the risk of tooth decay, periodontal (gum) disease, and bad breath. If not removed through regular brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings, plaque bacteria produce acids that attack and erode the tooth enamel, leading to cavities. Moreover, the body’s immune system responds to the plaque and tartar buildup leading to gum inflammation, the first stage of gum disease.
Proper dental hygiene practices at home and professional dental cleanings can reverse early gum disease, a condition known as gingivitis. Otherwise, the condition may progress, damaging the bone and tissues supporting the teeth, potentially leading to loose teeth and, in many cases, even tooth loss. Ongoing prevention is the best way to maintain healthy teeth and gums for a lifetime.
What Should You Expect During a Routine Dental Cleaning?
We will start with a dental exam to evaluate every aspect of your oral health. If we detect any potential dental issues, we will recommend the most conservative treatment option to restore your healthy smile.
During your professional dental cleaning, our hygienist will use an instrument called a dental scaler to remove any plaque and tartar deposits from your tooth surfaces, around and right below your gum line, and in between your teeth. At Michigan Coast Dental, we offer quick and gentle cleanings using ultrasonic scalers, which vibrate at very low, undetectable levels, creating sound waves that effectively blast away plaque, hardened tartar, and surface tooth stains.
Our ultrasonic unit delivers a small water stream that blasts away any remaining buildup and flushes away debris, leaving the surfaces of your teeth feeling smooth and clean. Ultrasonic cleanings are much faster, more comfortable, and more efficient than traditional metal scalers.
After removing plaque and tartar buildup, our dental hygienist will polish your teeth using a high-powered electric toothbrush and a special toothpaste to remove plaque and surface stains left behind. The next step is professional flossing to remove plaque or debris remaining between the teeth and to locate any trouble spots where the gums may bleed. If indicated, we may recommend a fluoride treatment to strengthen your tooth enamel and lower the risk of decay.
Routine Dental Cleanings Near Me in Saint Joseph, MI
If you are due for a dental cleaning, contact Michigan Coast Dental today. Our team is happy to answer any questions and offer oral hygiene tips to prevent the onset or progression of dental disease. We look forward to helping you maintain a healthy smile for life.
We invite you to contact our office at 269-428-4430 to schedule your appointment today!
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