How Often Should You Go for a Tooth Cleaning?
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Brushing and flossing are necessary, but regular dental cleanings are also essential to keep your smile looking and feeling its best. But how often should you go for a professional tooth cleaning or, as we say, “prophylaxis”?
At Fibonacci Smile, our premier dental practice in Wenatchee stresses the importance of preventative care, beginning with routine prophylactic tooth cleanings.
How Long Does a Dental Cleaning Take, and What Can I Expect?
A preventative dental cleaning, also known as prophylaxis, typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the individual. During this appointment, one of our registered dental hygienists (RDH) will clean your teeth and along your gums to remove any plaque, tartar, and stains that may have accumulated since your last visit. The goal is to provide you with a “blank slate,” so to speak, to keep your smile healthy between checkups.
The prophylactic cleaning process usually starts with an examination of your teeth and gums to check for any signs of gum disease or other dental issues. The hygienist will then use a special instrument to remove any plaque or tartar buildup from your teeth, especially in hard-to-reach areas that your toothbrush may have missed.
Once your teeth are clean, our hygienist will polish them with a special paste to remove any surface stains. Finally, they will floss your teeth to ensure that all areas between your teeth are clean and free of debris.
Depending on the frequency of your checkups and which visit it is, we may also perform a periodontal screening to check for tissue and bone loss, which are precursors to periodontal disease. Digital X-rays may also be taken intermittently to screen for issues we can’t see during a visual exam.
Overall, a dental cleaning is an essential, straightforward therapy that can help keep your teeth and gums healthy for years to come.
How to Take Care of Teeth Between Cleanings
While professional dental cleanings are essential, they are not a substitute for good oral hygiene at home. To keep your teeth and gums healthy between visits and limit your risk of gum disease, it’s crucial to take care of your teeth daily.
Here are some tips to keep your teeth healthy:
2. Floss at least once a day to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and just under the edges of your gums.
3. Eat a healthy diet that’s low in sugar and processed carbs while high in fruits, vegetables, omega-3 fatty acids, and whole grains. Sugary and acidic foods can damage your teeth and increase your risk of tooth decay.
4. Avoid smoking, vaping, and tobacco products, which can stain your teeth and increase your risk of gum disease and oral cancer.
5. Schedule a preventative dental cleaning at least twice a year (every six months.)
By following these simple tips, you can reduce your risk of decay and periodontitis, protecting your smile for a lifetime.
Need a Dental Cleaning in Wenatchee?
If you’re due for a dental cleaning, Fibonacci Smile can help. As a premier dental practice in Wenatchee, WA, they offer complex cosmetic dentistry and cutting-edge aesthetic care to keep your smile looking its best.
Their team of experienced dentists, including Dr. Douglas S. Milner and Dr. Eric Nelson, provides personalized care to each patient, ensuring that you get the best possible treatment for your unique needs.
To keep your smile healthy, we recommend planning for two dental cleanings per year. Or if you have a history of gum disease, you may benefit from a teeth cleaning as frequently as every 3-4 months.
Call Our Dentist in Wenatchee
Whether you need a routine dental cleaning or more complex dental work, Fibonacci Smile has the skills and technology to deliver exceptional results. Contact us today to schedule your next dental cleaning in Wenatchee.