This post from Stephen Ratcliff Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Arlington TX focuses on professional dental cleaning, and its impact on your dental health.
You might wonder if you need a professional dental cleaning if you already practice dental hygiene daily at home. The answer is that both are important, because they work in tandem to maintain oral health.
Dental cleanings increase the effectiveness of your daily oral care by removing the plaque and tarter that can accumulate regardless of daily brushing and flossing. In fact, when plaque hardens, it can only be removed with the special tools used by a hygienist.
A hygienist will first use a vibrating ultrasonic tool to dislodge the largest pieces of tartar. This process may tickle a bit. The hygienist will then use tools with finer attachments to remove the smaller pieces of calculus. When all plaque and tartar is gone, polishing is the final step in the cleaning process.
The goal is to make your tooth surfaces as smooth as possible, to prevent food particles from lodging in small spaces that are difficult to clean. If you are having an exam during the same visit, your technician may take dental x-rays. X-rays can reveal cavities while they are small and can be easily filled.
Let your hygienist know if your teeth are sensitive so he/she can make your cleaning as comfortable as possible. After the cleaning, a fluoride treatment may be given to help strengthen your teeth.
Before your hygienist leaves, you may want to ask if there are areas you can improve. Your hygienist can tell you which tooth surfaces had the most build-up. If the back teeth are presenting a problem, you can communicate with Dr. Ratcliff about sealants.
If you have braces, you may want more frequent dental cleanings because food can easily lodge between the wires.
Call Stephen Ratcliff Family & Cosmetic Dentistry to schedule a professional cleaning today! We offer a wide range of general and cosmetic dentistry.
Contact Stephen Ratcliff Family & Cosmetic Dentistry:
817-274-7875
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
909 W Mitchell St
Arlington, Texas
76013
