Teeth Cleaning in Warwick RI
We know what you’re thinking, “I clean my teeth twice every day; why would I pay someone else to clean my teeth?” It sounds valid, but the simple name teeth cleaning doesn’t give it justice for the true importance it has on the health of your teeth.
What is a teeth cleaning & what does it involve?
A teeth cleaning is an appointment that you make with us at Jefferson Dental Associates, your dentist in Warwick RI, every six months to have your teeth thoroughly cleaned and checked out. During your appointment, you’ll receive preventative treatments performed by one of our dental hygienists, and have your doctor diagnose any funny business going on. A few preventative treatments may include stain removal, fluoride treatments (to strengthen your teeth or stop early cavities), plaque and tartar removal, and teeth polishing; while the diagnostic checks include looking at gum tissue and, when necessary, X-rays of the mouth to look for tooth decay.
How long does a teeth cleaning take?
Everyone’s teeth cleaning appointment is different and based upon the state of their mouth. The amount of time it will take depends on your oral health. The healthier your teeth are, the quicker your appointment will be (this is another great reason to practice good oral hygiene.). The appointment should only take about 30 minutes for people with healthy and clean teeth. However, teeth cleaning can take an hour for people with poor oral hygiene or complex issues like cavities and tartar buildup. This is because your dentist will have to scrape the plaque and tartar off your teeth. Since plaque is clear, spotting it in hard-to-see places is complicated. Simply put, the more you care for your teeth at home, the less time you’ll spend in the chair at the dentist.
What does the dentist do at a teeth cleaning?
- They check the health of your mouth: Your hygienist and dentist in Warwick, RI at Jefferson Dental Associates will do an in-depth look at your gums, teeth, and mouth for signs of tooth decay and other oral health complications.
- Remove Plaque: Since plaque is very tricky to remove at home, it’s important to see your dentist for teeth cleaning. Your dentist has special tools to spot and remove plaque. If you don’t remove plaque in a timely manner, it will turn into tartar. Tartar cannot be removed with a toothbrush; only a dental professional can remove it during teeth cleaning.
- Prevent Decay: Teeth cleanings help prevent tooth decay. Removing plaque is key since bacteria can stick to the plaque on your teeth. The bacteria will release acid that wears down your enamel (the protective layer of your teeth.), once the enamel is worn down, holes can form in your teeth, and bacteria can get inside your teeth, causing pain and decay. This can lead to infection or even teeth having to be extracted.
- Prevent Gum Disease: Regular teeth cleanings can help you prevent gum disease. Gum disease can be caused by dental plaque. Although practicing good dental hygiene will prevent plaque from forming, once formed, only your dentist has the tools necessary to remove plaque that has built up on your teeth.
Importance of teeth cleaning in Warwick RI
A teeth cleaning in Warwick RI here at Jefferson Dental Associates is more than just making sure your teeth are pearly white; it’s to keep your dental hygiene in check! Your dental team in Warwick can diagnose any problems and start a road to treatment on the spot. Some problems will require your dentist’s expertise. Luckily for those who practice good dental hygiene, you’ll be in and out in no time at your teeth cleaning appointment. So if spending time at the dentist isn’t your thing, make sure to brush twice daily, floss, and keep your mouth clean!