What Is the Importance of Your Regular Dental Cleanings?
At Heather Ridge Laser Dentistry, we believe in preventive dental care as your first line of defense against tooth decay, cavities, periodontal (gum) disease, and other oral health problems. We are pleased to offer a range of preventive procedures, including dental exams and cleanings, to keep your smile healthy and bright. Here is a look at the critical role dental cleanings play in maintaining your oral health.
How Often Should You Schedule Dental Cleanings?
According to American Dental Association guidelines, patients should seek routine dental care at intervals determined by their dentist. At Heather Ridge Laser Dentistry, we typically recommend twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings for individuals in good oral health. If, however, you have gum disease or are at a higher risk of developing dental disease, you may require more frequent dental care.
What Is the Importance of Dental Cleanings?
Dental cleanings offer numerous benefits, including the following:
- Preventing Cavities and Gum Disease: Our hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildup, lowering the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, which are the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. Prevention is key to maintaining healthy smiles that last a lifetime.
- Detecting Dental Problems Early: Your dental cleanings offer an excellent opportunity to check your mouth for signs of dental problems like gum disease, cavities, oral cancer, or other concerns. That ensures any minor issue is addressed before it progresses and requires extensive, costly treatments down the road.
- Delivering Brighter, Fresher Smiles: During your dental cleaning, we will remove plaque, tartar, and surface tooth stains, brightening and whitening your teeth. Dental cleanings also lower the risk of bad breath, leaving you with a clean, fresh, and healthy smile.
- Safeguarding Your Health: Maintaining a healthy mouth reflects on your overall health. Poor dental health and gum disease are closely associated with a higher risk of serious health concerns such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even pregnancy complications.
- Saving You Money: Most dental insurance plans cover twice-yearly dental cleanings. Keeping your smile healthy and sound can save you money on dental expenses in the long run.
What Happens During a Dental Cleaning Appointment?
Our skilled dental hygienist will gently remove any plaque and tartar that have built up on your tooth surfaces and gum line using a dental scaler. Next is flossing and polishing your teeth, which will leave you with a clean and minty-fresh smile.
If you have signs of periodontal disease, you may require a deep dental cleaning known as scaling and root planing. Scaling is what you can expect during a routine dental cleaning. When it comes to root planing, our hygienist will clean and smooth out your tooth roots to promote healing and prevent complications resulting from gum disease.
After cleaning your teeth, our dental hygienist may offer tips on good brushing and flossing practices to maintain a clean and healthy smile between dental visits.
Dental Cleanings Near Me in Gurnee, IL
Contact Heather Ridge Laser Dentistry to learn more about our preventative dentistry services, including dental cleanings. Dr. Nallasamy and our patient-centered team are committed to providing our valued patients with the best possible dental experience. We invite you to call our office at 847-356-2336 to schedule your appointment or book one online today.