The American Dental Association and your Clearwater, FL dentist recommend regularly-scheduled teeth cleanings as part of a comprehensive dental checkup. This treatment schedule has been shown to lower your risks for conditions like tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections.
If you have a specific oral health condition like gingivitis or gum disease, your dentist provides a more customized treatment plan to prevent tooth loss and other health complications.
What Happens at My Dental Checkup?
Your preventive checkup includes:
- A thorough exam of your teeth and gums
- An oral cancer screening
- X-rays as needed
- Professional teeth cleaning
- Treatment recommendations
In some cases, as part of prevention, we may recommend a fluoride rinse or dental sealant to strengthen tooth enamel and help prevent decay.
What Happens During a Professional Teeth Cleaning in Clearwater, FL?
Your hygienist looks at your teeth with a small mirror, making sure there aren’t any issues. The hygienist will alert the dentist if anything is found—for example, a minor cavity.
However, if everything looks healthy, the first step finds your hygienist scraping plaque from your teeth with a special dental tool. This is not painful, and it rids your teeth of buildup that your toothbrush can’t reach or can’t remove.
The hygienist then cleans your teeth with a special brush and floss before applying a fluoride type of rinse. Fluoride replaces lost minerals and restabilizes your tooth enamel.
Your Role in Prevention
To keep your teeth healthy between checkups, be sure to brush and floss twice daily and lower your intake of sugary and acidic foods and drinks.
It’s also important to contact our dental office if you discover oral health changes like sensitive teeth or bleeding gums.
For Professional Teeth Cleanings Near Me, Contact Us
Keeping your smile healthy is our top priority. If you’re looking to establish dental care in the area or haven’t been in for a dental checkup and cleaning in a while, we encourage you to reach out to our team to schedule a visit.
Related Services: Preventive Dentistry