Essential Preventative Care for a Healthy Smile
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene at home is vital, but it is only half the equation when it comes to long-term dental health. Professional routine cleanings at Maitre & Crabtree Dental Group in Mobile, AL, are essential for removing stubborn plaque and tartar, preventing gum disease, and keeping your smile bright and healthy.
Even with the most diligent brushing and flossing routine, there are hard-to-reach areas in your mouth where bacteria can hide and harden. By visiting our office for routine dental care, we can help protect your teeth from decay and address minor issues before they become major problems.
How Often Should I Have a Routine Cleaning?
The American Dental Association generally recommends that children and adults visit their dentist for a professional cleaning and comprehensive exam at least twice a year (every six months). However, depending on your specific oral health needs, our doctors may recommend more frequent visits.
You may need to schedule routine cleanings more often if you:
- Have a history of periodontal (gum) disease
- Are genetically predisposed to plaque buildup or cavities
- Smoke or use tobacco products
- Have a compromised immune system or certain medical conditions like diabetes
- Currently wear braces or other orthodontic appliances
Regular professional cleanings are the most effective way to prevent tooth decay and gum disease, saving you time, discomfort, and costly restorative procedures down the road.
What is Involved in a Routine Cleaning?
At Maitre & Crabtree Dental Group, your comfort and health are our top priorities. Your routine cleaning is a straightforward, non-invasive process that usually takes less than an hour. During your visit, you can generally expect the following steps:
- Plaque and Tartar Removal: Using specialized dental instruments, our skilled hygienists will carefully scale your teeth, removing plaque and hardened tartar (calculus) from the tooth surfaces and along the gumline.
- Professional Polishing: Next, your teeth will be polished using a high-powered electric brush and special prophylaxis paste. This gently scrubs away surface stains, leaving your teeth smooth and visibly brighter.
- Expert Flossing: We will professionally floss between your teeth to remove any lingering debris and plaque from areas your toothbrush might miss at home.
- Fluoride Treatment: Depending on your risk for cavities, we may apply a fluoride treatment to help strengthen your tooth enamel and protect against future decay.
- Comprehensive Examination: Following your cleaning, your dentist will perform a thorough visual exam, check your current restorations, and evaluate your overall oral health.
Why Should I Have a Routine Cleaning?
Skipping your routine dental visits can have a negative impact on both your oral and overall health. Investing in regular cleanings offers several significant benefits:
- Cavity Prevention: Plaque is the leading cause of tooth decay. Removing it regularly prevents cavities from forming and deteriorating your enamel.
- Stop Gum Disease: Tartar buildup can cause an infection in the gum tissues. Regular cleanings help prevent gingivitis from advancing into severe periodontal disease, which can eventually lead to tooth loss.
- Brighter Smile: Drinking coffee, tea, and wine can stain your teeth. Routine polishing removes these surface stains for a whiter, more radiant smile.
- Fresher Breath: Chronic bad breath is often a sign of underlying dental issues or hidden bacteria. A professional cleaning eliminates the bacteria causing the odor.
- Boost Overall Health: Numerous studies have linked poor oral health to systemic conditions like heart disease, strokes, and diabetes. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy helps protect your whole body.
Schedule Your Routine Cleaning Today
Don’t wait until you are experiencing a toothache or dental pain to visit the dentist. Preventative care is the key to a lasting, beautiful smile. If it is time for your next exam and routine cleaning, schedule a visit at Maitre & Crabtree Dental Group.
CONTACT US TODAY to make an appointment or get answers to your questions.