Regular dental cleanings protect your smile, keep your mouth and teeth healthy and help prevent oral issues. For example, tartar buildup, if left unchecked, can cause tooth decay, cavities, erosion of gum tissue, and gum disease. As a matter of fact, regular dental cleanings help you maintain a bright smile and help improve your health. Overall, regular visits to the dentist for cleanings and check-ups can dramatically increase your chances of keeping your mouth healthy and disease free.
What happens during a regular dental cleaning?
As one of the best Dentists in Port Coquitlam, we pride ourselves on offering dental cleanings in a relaxed, high-tech environment that will help you feel comfortable. Our goal is to make sure a teeth cleaning is simple and painless. Let’s review the steps:
First step: The Oral Examination:
The first step is for the dental hygienist or dentist to perform a physical exam of the mouth to take a close look at your teeth, gums and bite. Furthermore, if necessary, the dentist will take dental x-rays to reveal issues such as cavities under existing fillings, fractures, impacted wisdom teeth, decay under the gum line and bone loss.
Second step: Removal of Plaque and Tartar Buildup
Next, the dental hygienist or dentist will use a small mirror and a scaler to remove plaque and tartar around your gum line and between your teeth. As a reminder, daily brushing and flossing help prevent plaque from building up and hardening into tartar. Unfortunately, once you have tartar, you can only have it removed at your dentist’s office.
Final step: Applying a fluoride treatment and final review
The last step of the dental cleaning process is to apply a fluoride treatment. The benefits of applying a fluoride treatment are to protect your enamel and put minerals back in your teeth. Overall, this treatment is used as a protectant for your teeth to help fight against cavities for several months.
The benefits of regular dental cleanings
- Prevent Cavities: The whitish film that accumulates on the surfaces of your teeth, known as plaque, is the leading cause of tooth decay. The acidic substance erodes the tooth enamel and, if left unattended, can result in cavities. Plaque can be removed by brushing and flossing accompanied by dental cleanings. However, tartar (a mineral accumulation) cannot be removed by at-home cleaning and needs to be removed during a dental visit.
- Prevent Tooth Loss: Stop tooth loss before it even happens! A leading cause of tooth loss in adults is gum disease and is the result of plaque accumulation. As gum disease moves the tooth toward the root, it can break down the supporting bone in your jaw, causing teeth to loosen and even fall out. Visiting your dentist regularly can significantly reduce your chances of developing gum disease.
- Save Money: Going for an extended period without seeing the dentist causes more issues with your teeth and leads to expensive dental procedures. Avoid costly dental work by avoiding restoration dentistry and practicing preventative dentistry!
Helpful Links:
Learn how to avoid dental plaque buildup.
Schedule A Comprehensive Dental Examination
If you’ve fallen behind on your dental health routine, we’re here to help you get back on track. Schedule a comprehensive dental examination at your trusted Port Coquitlam dentist.. Located at 2663 Shaughnessy St., Port Coquitlam, BC, V3C3G7, we offer top-notch care and convenience for patients from Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, and beyond. Our approachable team, personalized care, and advanced technology ensure you receive the best service. Call us at 604-464-4131 or click here to request an appointment.
