Maintaining a healthy smile is more than brushing and flossing—it’s about ensuring your oral hygiene is in expert hands. Parleys Creek Dental in Salt Lake City, UT, offers various general and family dentistry treatments, including dental cleanings. Led by Dr. Sorensen and his dedicated team, our mission is to ensure every patient leaves our office with the best dental health possible!
Dental cleanings are professional procedures that remove plaque, tartar, and stains from teeth that regular brushing cannot eliminate. They are critical to preventive dental care and vital to maintaining oral health. Performed by our dental hygienist or Dr. Sorensen, these cleanings help prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues.
We encourage patients to schedule a dental cleaning every six months. This frequency allows Dr. Clinton Sorensen to monitor your oral health, catch potential issues early, and provide the necessary care to keep your teeth and gums in excellent condition. However, some patients with specific oral health needs, such as gum disease or orthodontic appliances, may require more frequent visits.
Dental cleanings are crucial for several reasons. First and foremost, they help prevent cavities. Plaque, a soft and sticky film of bacteria, is the primary culprit for cavities. When left untreated, it hardens into tartar, leading to tooth decay. Regular cleanings ensure plaque and tartar do not accumulate excessively.
Gum health is another significant reason for regular dental cleanings. Gum disease starts with gingivitis, which can progress to periodontitis if not treated. Dental cleanings help prevent gum disease by removing plaque and tartar around the gumline and addressing inflammation before it worsens.
A typical dental cleaning procedure consists of several steps, each designed to ensure thorough and effective cleaning of your teeth and gums. It usually begins with a physical examination. A dental hygienist inspects your mouth using a small mirror to check for signs of gingivitis or other concerns.
Next, the hygienist uses a scaler to remove plaque and tartar around your gumline and between your teeth. This step may produce a scraping sound but is entirely normal and painless. The more tartar there is, the more time this step takes.
After scaling, the hygienist uses a high-powered electric brush to polish your teeth with gritty toothpaste. This polishing helps remove any remaining tartar and further cleans your teeth. Doing it twice a year is safe, leaving your teeth smooth and clean.
The final step involves flossing and rinsing. The hygienist will expertly floss between your teeth to remove leftover debris or toothpaste. A fluoride treatment may follow to provide extra protection against cavities, keeping your teeth strong until your next visit.
While dental cleanings are essential, maintaining good oral hygiene at home is equally important. Here are some tips to help you keep your teeth and gums healthy between dental visits:
Dental cleanings are a fundamental aspect of maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile. At Parleys Creek Dental in Salt Lake City, UT, we are committed to providing high-quality dental cleanings to our patients. If you’re due for a dental cleaning, please schedule your appointment with Dr. Sorensen and experience the difference at Parleys Creek Dental.
