WHY SHOULD I GET DENTAL CLEANINGS EVERY SIX MONTHS?
The ADA recommends that patients in good oral health go to the dentist every 6 months for a preventive dental cleaning and checkup. This prevents oral health problems from developing and requiring more invasive and costly treatment.
Tooth decay and gum disease are caused by a buildup of plaque and tartar. It only takes 72 hours for plaque to harden into tartar and this cannot be removed through at-home oral hygiene. Through regular dental visits, we can keep your oral health on track and early detection gives us the ability to reverse these problems before it’s too late. Contact us at Mary Qian Dental Group to schedule a cleaning.
Did you know...
Unlike your natural teeth,
dental implants can't get cavities.
CLEANING & EXAM PROCESS
ORAL EXAM
Dr. Qian will examine your teeth during an oral exam and take x-rays if necessary to look for signs of oral health problems.
SCALING
Using a scaler, plaque and tartar will be removed from above the gum line and between the teeth.
POLISHING
Using dentist-grade gritty toothpaste, we will polish your teeth with an electric toothbrush that removes bacteria and stains. Then, your teeth will be flossed.
FLUORIDE TREATMENT
After rinsing your mouth out, a fluoride varnish will be applied to your teeth. This remineralizes your enamel to strengthen it and make it more resistant to cavities.
FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENTS
If any oral health problems were detected during your exam, we will schedule treatment for future appointments. Otherwise, your next bi-annual cleaning will be scheduled 6 months from now.
BENEFITS OF REGULAR DENTAL CLEANINGS
Attending regular cleanings will help you maintain good oral health, remove surface stains that contribute to discoloration, and prevent bad breath by removing odorous bacteria. Preventing oral health problems means you save money and time on restorative treatments for worsening conditions like tooth decay and gum disease.
These conditions are very serious and increase your risk of tooth loss. When you lose a tooth, you need to pay for a costly tooth replacement or suffer the consequences of bone loss which can cause premature aging of the face.
More than just preventing oral health problems and tooth loss, dental cleanings promote good overall health. Because our oral health is connected to our overall health, tooth decay and gum disease increase our risk of serious health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Did you know...
Unlike your natural teeth,
dental implants can't get cavities.
HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT DENTAL CLEANINGS? FIND ANSWERS HERE.
HOW TO KEEP YOUR TEETH CLEAN BETWEEN DENTAL VISITS
At home, you should be brushing your teeth and tongue once in the morning and once at night with a soft bristle toothbrush. Use fluoride toothpaste and brush for at least 2 to 3 minutes. Floss once a day and drink fluoridated water or rinse your mouth with a fluoride mouth rinse.
Eat a diet low in sugar and limit snacking throughout the day. If you aren’t generating enough saliva, chew on sugar-free gum. All of these habits will reduce your cavity risk.
DO DENTAL CLEANINGS HURT?
No, dental cleanings are a non-invasive painless preventive treatment that keeps your oral health in check. Because we don’t use any invasive tools, we don’t need to use any anesthetic.
However, if you have gum inflammation and active tooth decay, you may have tooth sensitivity or tenderness that can make you feel uncomfortable.
If you are uncomfortable or experiencing pain, please let us know so we can relieve your discomfort by offering local anesthesia.
ARE DENTAL CLEANINGS COVERED BY INSURANCE?
Yes, dental cleanings fall under preventive coverage and are covered at 80 to 100% of the cost by most insurance plans. This is because cleanings are a good investment and prevent worsening oral health outcomes that require more expensive restorative treatment.
However, contact your insurance provider directly to find out how much they will cover your cleaning treatment.
Did you know...
Unlike your natural teeth,
dental implants can't get cavities.
READY FOR YOUR CONSULTATION?
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today!
Get ready for 5-star Experience
Dr. Qian is responsive, precise, and goes the extra mile to keep patients comfortable. I’ve had lots of dental work, and as a new patient in the past year, she guided me through the treatment of 2 complicated toothaches. On the lighter side, I was also very pleased with my teeth whitening procedure. Her staff is warm, helpful and professional.
Barb Mitchell