Dental Cleaning Dental cleanings and good dental hygiene are a sustainable means of keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Teeth are covered in enamel. This hard tissue is vulnerable to deterioration from plaque, an acidic pale-yellow substance. Plaque builds up on all surfaces of the tooth, but can stick closely to the gumline, and in the spaces between the teeth. The gingiva, or gum, is prone to inflammation when neglected, a condition called gingivitis. In very serious cases, the recession of the gums can leave the roots of the tooth exposed. Your oral hygiene and lifestyle habits affect your chances of developing oral issues. Chronic smokers will constantly be fighting against the damage of their own habits, and measures must be made to change these habits for oral hygiene to have any effect. Oral issues can develop at any point in your life so it's important to understand that they should not be ignored and here at Schnierow Dental Care we can help with all your oral health issues. What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?Dental cleanings take 30-45 minutes to perform on average. They are a non-invasive, painless, and simple dental procedure. They are usually performed by an oral hygienist or general dentist. The dental cleaning starts off with a dental exam, your mouth is inspected for gum recession, and tooth decay. The hygienist or dentist will start scraping away plaque using a small, curved tool called a scaler. You may hear a chipping sound but don't worry, this is the sound of hardened plaque or tartar chipping off your teeth. To see the back of your teeth more easily and prevent injury to the gums, the one performing your cleaning will employ the use of a dental mirror. Once the plaque is stripped from your teeth, the teeth are thoroughly rinsed with water. You may be encouraged to spit out the rinse, or a small vacuum called a suction will be placed in your mouth to suck out any saliva or fluid from your mouth. Now that your teeth are scaled and rinsed, they will be polished with a flavored fluoride gel using a high powered dental toothbrush called a polisher. The fluoride keeps cavities and bacteria from eroding your tooth enamel. Just like you are encouraged to do at home, your teeth are flossed after they are brushed. Once the teeth are brushed and flossed the cleaning is considered complete. To check on the health of your teeth’s supporting bone structure, and check for root abscesses, your dentist may administer an x-ray. X-rays are only necessary on an annual basis, while cleanings are recommended to be scheduled bi-annually. Dental Cleanings Are Here to HelpDental cleanings are key in preventing plaque buildup, the leading cause of cavities. Cleanings can also help with teeth whitening, removing minor stains and discoloration from plaque. Most insurance plans cover bi-annual dental cleanings. Reach out to our team at Schnierow Dental Care for a consultation. Dental cleanings can help make your oral hygiene practices more sustainable over time, stripping away old plaque and discoloration. To schedule your next cleaning call us now at (424) 383-5005. |
 Hawthorne, CA13450 Hawthorne Blvd. Hawthorne, CA 90250-5806 |
