Keeping your teeth and gums healthy takes consistent daily effort.
Gently flossing the top and bottom rows of your teeth twice a day keeps the gums strong, and dislodges hard-to-reach plaque and food that is stuck between your teeth.
Brushing your teeth twice a day keeps stain-causing agents like plaque at bay.
It removes food particles lodged in the microscopic cracks of your tooth enamel, no matter the food's preparation or quality, it will always harbor decay-loving bacteria.
Practicing good dental hygiene makes managing your oral health easy. However, dental issues can develop even with good oral hygiene.
Dental cleanings are here to help, for this reason, they give your mouth a deep cleaning, rejuvenating your smile and the hard-to-reach areas of your mouth.
If you forget to brush your teeth now and then don't worry, it is very common. Division Smiles Family Dental is here to help. Our team of experienced dental specialists provides thorough cleanings in a comfortable, and welcoming atmosphere to give your teeth a refreshing reset.
The American Dental Association recommends that you schedule a dental cleaning every six months while maintaining good oral hygiene habits in between visits.
Good oral hygiene and biannual cleanings significantly reduce the risks of you developing cavities, gingivitis, or gum recession. It's a sustainable means of maintaining good oral health throughout your life.
Caring For Your Oral Health
Dental caries, another word for cavities, are very common among children and adults. Gum recession is what causes your bottom teeth to appear longer as you age.
Gums inflame and slowly shrink without proper care. The good news is that, for the common person, oral health is extremely easy to manage with simple dental hygiene practices and biannual dental cleanings.
People who habitually smoke or have any chronic conditions affecting their oral health may need more treatment. If you happen to develop a cavity, it can be treated with a filling.
Dental cleanings are a quick and painless procedure. If you are having a cleaning and experience significant pain, notify the one performing the procedure.
In our dentistry practice, Division Smiles Family Dental, and in dentistry overall, dentists and oral hygienists are trained to precisely clean the teeth without damaging the mouth's softer tissues.
Significant pain or sensitivity could be a sign of tooth decay or inflammation, and your dentist can help rule out the causes.
Dental cleanings on average take 30 to 45 minutes to perform. A brief, focused oral exam is performed before a dental cleaning.
Your mouth's softer tissues are inspected for gum recession and lesions. Your teeth's sensitivity is tested and they are visually inspected for decay.
The one performing your exam will start removing tartar with a small curved instrument called a scaler. You may hear a chipping or scratching sound during this process; this is completely normal.
Once the tartar is removed, your mouth is rinsed and dried using a suction. Your teeth will get a thorough brushing with a high powered dental toothbrush called a polisher.
Your dentist or oral hygienist will recommend a fluoride coating. Fluoride keeps cavities and bacteria from eroding your tooth enamel. The coating rests on your teeth for an extended period so it cleans the enamel.
To check on the health of your jawbone structure, your dentist may administer an x-ray. X-rays are only necessary on an annual basis and cleanings are recommended biannually.
Dental cleanings provide peace of mind and a biannual refresh for your smile. If you are in need of a dental cleaning or primary dentist, reach out to our team at (971) 978-0293 to schedule your appointment today.