The Importance of Dental Cleanings for Your Oral Health

Prevention is critical to your long-term oral health, halting the onset or progression of dental disease. Dr. Head and his team at Sonoran Vista Dentistry are pleased to offer a comprehensive range of preventive dentistry solutions, including dental cleanings, to help keep your smile bright and healthy for a lifetime. Contact our Gilbert practice to get started today.

How Often Should You Schedule Dental Cleanings?

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends scheduling regular dental visits at intervals determined by your dentist. In general, most patients in good oral health require twice-yearly dental cleanings. However, if you have gum disease or have risk factors for tooth decay or other dental concerns, you may need more frequent, targeted cleanings. Dr. Head and his team will recommend the ideal frequency of dental cleanings to keep your smile healthy and sound.

What Can You Expect During a Dental Cleaning?

Regular dental cleanings, also known as prophylaxis, are designed to prevent dental disease. During your appointment, our dental team uses state-of-the-art tools to gently remove plaque and tartar from between your teeth and along and under your gum line. Next is flossing and polishing your teeth, which helps remove any remaining plaque, debris, and surface stains.

After your dental cleaning, we may recommend a fluoride treatment to help further strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities. Fluoride can also help reverse early decay by replenishing the minerals stripped from your tooth enamel by bacteria and acids in a process known as remineralization.

What Are Deep Dental Cleanings?

If you have signs of gum disease, you may require a deep dental cleaning procedure known as scaling and root planing. This non-surgical treatment involves thoroughly cleaning off plaque and tartar below your gum line and smoothing your tooth root surfaces to encourage gum tissue healing and reattachment. Deep dental cleanings can help prevent the progression of gum disease, safeguarding your oral health. Dr. Head and his team will recommend the type of dental cleaning that’s right for your unique needs.

How Do Professional Dental Cleanings Enhance Your Oral Health?

Here’s a look at some of the reasons we emphasize the importance of keeping up with your regular dental cleanings:

Lowering the Risk of Tooth Decay: Even with the best at-home oral hygiene practices, plaque can harden to tartar, which only a dental professional can remove with special tools. Removing plaque and tartar built up on your teeth and gum line helps lower the risk of tooth decay and cavities.

Preventing Gum Disease: Gum disease is a serious, chronic condition that’s the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. It usually develops due to plaque and tartar buildup along the gum line, which irritates the gums, causing inflammation. Regular dental cleanings can help lower your risk of gum disease, enhancing your oral health.

Early Intervention: During your regular dental cleaning visits, our team will evaluate the health of your teeth, gums, and oral structures to rule out any problems. We will check for early signs of tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer, and other oral health concerns, ensuring prompt treatment. Preventing minor problems from becoming complex dental concerns can help avoid the need for costly and extensive treatments down the road.

Enhancing Your Overall Well-Being: Studies show a link between your oral health and general well-being. Poor oral hygiene and gum disease have been associated with a host of health concerns, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory problems, and even pregnancy complications. Keeping up with regular dental cleanings can help enhance your oral health and your general well-being.

Delivering a Fresher, Brighter Smile: Regular dental cleanings help remove plaque, tartar, food debris, and odor-causing bacteria, combating bad breath (halitosis) and leaving you with a fresher smile. Moreover, polishing your teeth helps remove surface stains, leaving your smile cleaner and brighter. 

Dental Cleanings Near Me in Gilbert, AZ

Dr. Head and his team at Sonoran Vista Dentistry are proponents of prevention to ensure our valued patients enjoy a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles. We are pleased to offer a comprehensive range of preventive dentistry solutions, including dental cleanings, to safeguard your oral health. We invite you to call (480) 545-0661 to schedule your appointment or use this link to request one today!