One of the most important preventive treatments provided at Park Central Dental is a dental cleaning. This simple, routine preventive care plays a key role in keeping your mouth and smile healthy and in preventing dental problems. We recommend that you receive a professional dental cleaning every six months, though our dentists may recommend a more frequent schedule of visits depending on your oral health needs.
What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?
A dental cleaning, also known as a dental prophylaxis, is a crucial part of maintaining good oral health. It is a preventive procedure performed to remove plaque, tartar and stains from your teeth. Here is what typically happens during a dental cleaning:
- Assessment: Our dental professionals will begin by examining your teeth and gums to assess their overall health. We may use a small mirror and a scaler to check for any signs of decay, gum disease or other oral issues.
- Plaque and Tartar Removal: Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth daily. If not removed, it can harden into tartar (calculus) over time, which cannot be removed by brushing alone. We will use special instruments to gently scrape away these deposits, especially in areas that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush.
- Polishing: After tartar removal, your teeth will be polished using a rotating brush or a rubber cup attachment with a polishing paste. This step helps to remove surface stains and leaves your teeth feeling smooth and clean.
- Flossing: We will floss between your teeth to ensure that all plaque and debris are removed from the interdental spaces.
- Fluoride Treatment (optional): Some dental cleanings may include a fluoride treatment to strengthen the enamel and provide added protection against cavities.
The Importance of Regular Dental Cleanings
Regular dental cleanings are essential for several reasons:
- Preventing Gum Disease: Dental cleanings help prevent gum disease by removing plaque and tartar buildup, reducing the risk of gingivitis and periodontitis.
- Early Detection of Dental Issues: Routine cleanings allow our dentists to identify and address dental problems in their early stages, preventing them from progressing into more severe and costly issues.
- Fresher Breath: Removing bacteria and debris from your mouth through dental cleanings helps keep your breath fresh and eliminates bad odors associated with oral infections.
- Brighter Smile: Cleanings also remove surface stains, helping to restore the natural whiteness of your teeth and improve your overall smile.
- Overall Health: Maintaining good oral hygiene through regular cleanings can contribute to better overall health, as there is a growing link between oral health and systemic conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
Schedule an appointment with one of our skilled dental hygienists.
To set up an appointment with Dr. Mazin Nakhleh, Dr. Laura Fisher or Dr. Shohreh Sharifi and learn more about dental cleanings in Dallas, Texas, give us a call at 214-340-9696!