If you’re like most people, you brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss as often as you can, and hope for the best. Unfortunately, this is not the best way to approach oral health. Ideally, you should visit your preferred dentist regularly for routine dental cleanings to ensure that your smile remains bright and beautiful for years to come.
But if you haven’t had a routine dental cleaning in a while, you might have a few questions. For instance, what happens during a regular dental cleaning? Why is it so important to get your teeth cleaned by a professional? How often should you get routine cleanings? Finally, where can you find a quality dentist for routine dental cleanings in Chico, California?
In today’s guide, we will answer all of these questions and more, so let’s get started!
What Does a Regular Dental Cleaning Consist Of?
A regular or routine dental cleaning is a pretty straightforward dental treatment that provides a more comprehensive cleaning than you could get at home with a toothbrush and floss. Typically, a dentist or dental hygienist will use a metal scaler or ultrasonic (water) scaler to remove plaque in hard-to-reach places. This also gets rid of bacteria that could be hiding just beyond the reach of traditional toothbrushes, reducing the risk of cavities or infections. Many dental cleanings will also include a fluoride treatment, which can help strengthen tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay.
Why Are Routine Dental Cleanings So Important?
Even if you are diligent about taking care of your teeth, you’re bound to miss hard-to-reach areas, and you’ll likely have tartar buildup in certain places. Routine dental cleanings allow a professional dentist to find those areas and clean out bacteria, plaque, and tartar so that they don’t cause issues later on. They also give dentists a chance to evaluate your overall oral health and identify any potential issues. For example, if you have a cavity, your dentist may fill the cavity during a routine dental cleaning. Alternatively, if they encounter a more serious problem, they may schedule a follow-up appointment for additional treatments.
How Often Should You Get a Routine Dental Cleaning?
There’s no hard and fast rule for how often you need to get a routine dental cleaning, but the general consensus among dentists is that two dental cleanings per year are sufficient for most people. If you have a history of oral health problems or are currently struggling with gingivitis, cavities, or other issues, your dentist might recommend more than two per year. In some cases, two cleanings per year might not be necessary, but the American Dental Association recommends no less than one routine dental cleaning each year, regardless of your oral health.
Get Your Routine Dental Cleaning at Kremer Dental
Are you struggling with cavities or excess plaque? Do you need to schedule a routine dental cleaning? Finally, are you looking for a quality dental clinic near Chico, California? If so, Kremer Dental can help. We offer years of experience and can provide quality cleanings and treatments to meet your individual needs. Reach out to us today to learn more or schedule an appointment!