Having routine dental cleanings is one of the best ways to keep gum disease and tooth decay at bay, and it’s also essential for keeping teeth and smiles looking their best. Both adults and children should have routine cleanings every six months to maintain optimal oral health and to “catch” developing problems in their earliest stages. At Family Dental Care of Stamford, Dr. Anna Fromzel offers comprehensive dental cleaning and checkup services, helping adults and kids in Stamford, Connecticut, enjoy healthier teeth and gums.
Dental Cleanings Q & A
What happens during a routine dental cleaning?
First, Dr. Fromzel will ask the patient about any issues or concerns they might have; then she’ll perform a visual exam of the teeth. The cleaning itself will use a special mildly abrasive paste and a cleaning instrument to gently remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the surfaces of the teeth, including areas between the teeth and along the gum line that are often missed with regular brushing and flossing. The paste also helps remove superficial stains, so teeth look healthy and clean. During the cleaning, the hygienist will look for areas where at-home oral hygiene habits may be falling short, providing guidance and advice on how to improve brushing and flossing to keep gums and teeth healthy between office visits. Dr. Fromzel will perform an oral cancer screening, and dental sealants or fluoride treatments may be provided as well.
How often should I have a regular cleaning?
Both adults and children should have dental cleanings and checkups every six months. Twice-yearly checkups and cleanings help identify potential problems in their earliest stages when treatment is simplest and least costly. Plus, having cleanings every six months is a good way to keep gum disease at bay. Gum disease is caused by bacteria that invade the areas under the gums and around the tooth root, causing infection and eventual tooth loss. In fact, periodontal disease is the top cause of adult tooth loss in the US. And finally, twice-yearly exams are important for looking for the subtle signs of oral cancer.
What is root planing and scaling?
Root planing and scaling are special deep-cleaning techniques used to treat people with moderate to advanced gum disease. In these techniques, special cleaning instruments or lasers are used to reach bacteria below the gum line and around the tooth roots, destroying bacteria that cause tooth loss. Root planing also removes the bacteria that cling to the root surface and smooths the root to make it more difficult for bacteria to adhere in the future. Most root planing and scaling treatments are accompanied by the application of antibiotics to destroy hard-to-reach bacteria.