Professional Dental Cleaning FAQs

Getting a dental cleaning might not be at the top of many people’s list of preferred activities, but it is one of the most important preventative procedures performed in dentistry. It is easy to understand why some people would rather skip having to sit down in a dental chair with their mouth open for 45 minutes while a dentist cleans their teeth.

Frequently asked questions about dental cleaning treatments

This article will explore some of the popular questions patients have regarding dental cleaning and its benefits.

1. How often should I get my teeth cleaned?

The American Dental Association advises coming in for a dental cleaning at least two times each year. This combined with good oral hygiene goes a long way when it comes to preventing common dental problems like gum disease and tooth decay. People who are battling existing oral issues like periodontal disease might be asked to come in more frequently to get their teeth cleaned.

2. Is the process painful?

Patients should not feel any pain or experience discomfort when their teeth are being cleaned. People with dental phobias that might make it difficult for them to remain seated in a chair while being worked on should talk to the dentist about dental sedatives like nitrous oxide.

3. What goes on during teeth cleaning?

Teeth cleanings start with the dentist or their assistant using a small mirror to look for signs of issues like gum disease and tooth decay. A scaler is then used to remove tartar and plaque from teeth surfaces, between teeth, and around the gums.

The dentist will then polish the patient’s teeth with a paste and high-powered electric toothbrush. This helps to remove any tartar left behind and biofilm. It also makes the patient’s teeth shiner.

4. Does good oral hygiene help with dental cleanings?

Absolutely. Brushing and flossing remove plaque from teeth surfaces, preventing it from calcifying into tartar. Good oral hygiene will not completely stop the buildup of tartar deposits on teeth, but it will reduce the rate these deposits build up, so there’s less tartar to remove during teeth cleaning appointments.

5. What are the benefits of getting teeth cleaned regularly?

Tartar provides a safe place for oral bacteria to damage teeth. Getting these deposits removed helps to protect against tooth decay and gum disease. Other benefits of getting teeth cleaned regularly include:

• Improved smile: Tartar is prone to picking up stains and it gives teeth a yellow color. A professional teeth cleaning makes teeth appear whiter by getting rid of surface stains and tartar deposits
• Dental exam: Routine teeth cleaning appointments provide an opportunity for the dentist to examine their patient’s teeth. Any oral problems that have developed since the patient’s last appointment can be detected and treated.
• Improved health: Chronic health conditions like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease have been linked to gum disease – which dental cleanings protect against. People who get their teeth cleaned regularly are less likely to experience these issues

We perform teeth cleanings and other preventative treatments

Call or visit our Tacoma clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist if your teeth are due for a cleaning.

Request an appointment here: https://www.korsmofamilydental.com or call Korsmo Family Dental at (253) 336-0016 for an appointment in our Tacoma office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Cleaning and Examinations in Tacoma, WA.