Dental Cleanings

Are dental cleanings necessary if I brush and floss daily?

Yes. The Smile By the Station Dentistry team recommends that everyone schedules a professional dental cleaning every six months. This rule applies even if you brush and floss daily. Cavities and gum disease develop slowly and don’t always present symptoms at first. Regular dental checkups provide peace of mind and ensure your mouth stays healthy. 

What do dental cleanings involve?

At Smile By the Station Dentistry, professional dental cleanings include the following:

Scaling

During scaling, your dentist or dental hygienist removes plaque –– a film of bacteria, saliva, and food particles –– from the surfaces of your teeth and beneath your gums. This step is quick and painless. The team uses an ultrasonic debridement tool, allowing for precision accuracy.

Polishing

After removing the plaque and tartar buildup, your dentist or dental hygienist polishes your teeth with gritty toothpaste. This removes a thin biofilm from the surfaces of your teeth and protects your tooth enamel from future buildup.

Preventive treatment

If your dentist determines you’re at risk of cavities, they develop a preventive treatment plan. 

For example, your Smile By the Station Dentistry provider might recommend dental sealants or fluoride treatment. Sealants protect your teeth from harmful bacteria, while fluoride helps strengthen your tooth enamel. 

Dental X-rays

Dental X-rays use digital sensors to capture photos of your tooth roots, jaw, and alveolar (the bone that anchors your upper teeth). X-rays help your dentist identify oral health problems like cavities, infections, and bone loss.

Treatment recommendations

If your dentist identifies gum disease or tooth decay during your dental cleaning, they make personalized treatment recommendations. For example, if you have a cavity, they might fill it to prevent further damage. Likewise, if you have gum disease, they might prescribe antibiotics to keep the infection from spreading.

What are the advantages of routine dental cleanings?

Routine dental cleanings at Smile By the Station Dentistry offer various advantages, including:

• Reduced risk of cavities and gum disease
• A healthier mouth
• Improved whole-body health
• Fresh breath

Regular dental cleanings also save you money. Staying on top of your oral health significantly reduces your risk of complex dental work, like root canals and oral surgery. 

Call Smile By the Station Dentistry today to schedule a dental cleaning for yourself or your child, or book an appointment online.