June 10, 2022

Professional dental cleanings should be part of your Tremont dental care in IL, as they help remove plaque and tartar buildup. Every day, your mouth continuously forms plaque. If plaque isn’t effectively removed through brushing and flossing, it will inevitably harden into tartar.

Did you know that it only takes 48 hours for plaque to calcify? Unfortunately, when plaque solidifies into stubborn tartar, no amount of brushing and flossing can remove them. The only way to get rid of tartar is through professional dental cleaning.

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Common Questions About Professional Dental Cleaning  

What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?

Before your teeth are cleaned, your dentist will first perform a comprehensive physical exam of your mouth to check for signs of decay and gum problems. A small concave handheld mirror is used as a guide to removing plaque and tartar through a scaler.

The more plaque you have, the longer the procedure will take since your dentist will work on each tooth. Next, your dentist will use a high-powered electric brush and gritty toothpaste to clean your mouth. Flossing comes next, followed by rinsing. Last but not least, your dentist will apply a fluoride treatment over your teeth to help fight against cavities and decay for months.

Will It Hurt?

The good news is that professional teeth cleaning doesn’t hurt. However, you may experience slight tooth sensitivity during or after the procedure, but other than that, you’ll be comfortable and relaxed while your dentist cleans your teeth.

Can Professional Teeth Cleaning Prevent Tooth Stains?

A professional dental cleaning can help remove plaque and tartar buildup and fresh surface stains. You can prevent the accumulation of stains if you regularly have your teeth professionally cleaned.

How Often Should You Have Your Teeth Professionally Cleaned?  

According to the American Dental Association, dental cleanings should be done at least once every six months. However, individuals who are prone to gum disease and cavities are advised to undergo frequent dental cleanings three to four times a year. The frequency is tailored to your dental health needs and the current status of your oral health.

How Long Does the Procedure Take?

Typically, dental cleanings take around 30-60 minutes. Getting a dental cleaning could also mean undergoing an oral examination, X-rays, and fluoride treatments. All these extra procedures can add to the total duration time.

Again, the more plaque and tartar you have, the longer the procedure will take since your dentist will be working on each tooth, ensuring that no plaque and tartar are left behind.

What Should You Do After Getting a Dental Cleaning?

After getting your teeth cleaned, you should continue with your oral care routine. It’s possible that you could still develop cavities even after diligently brushing and flossing. Why does this happen? One of the reasons why oral health problems still occur despite following an oral care routine is because people are doing it wrong.

Some of the factors contributing to these issues are incorrect brushing and flossing techniques, not following the two-minute rule, and using the wrong type of toothbrush. All these can be discussed during your dental checkup.  

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Do You Need More Tips About Tremont Dental Care in IL?  

At Smalltown Dental, we’ll make sure you understand the value of dental cleanings. We will perform a thorough inspection of your mouth to determine the current state of your oral health and then decide what type of dental cleaning you’ll need, whether regular dental cleaning or deep cleaning. We also offer a wide range of dental treatments to improve your oral health. Contact us today for an appointment.

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