Jillian, Registered Dental Hygienist
What is proper dental hygiene?
Proper dental hygiene means keeping your teeth and gums healthy by brushing twice a day for 2 minutes, flossing at least once a day, seeing your dentist regularly for dental exams and cleanings, and reducing sugary foods and beverages.
What happens if you don't practice good dental hygiene?
If you don't practice good dental hygiene, plaque can build up on your teeth, and bacteria can get trapped in your gums. This can lead to cavities, gum disease, bone loss, tooth loss, and bad breath. It can also affect your overall health, especially in relation to heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders.
What are a dental hygienist's main duties?
A dental hygienist's main duties include taking dental X-rays, assessing your gum health, removing bacteria and plaque from the teeth and gums, educating patients on oral health care, working closely with the dentist to help identify gum and tooth concerns, and building patient relationships. Most people see their hygienist at least twice a year.
What does a dental cleaning involve?
A dental cleaning involves removing bacteria, plaque, and calculus from the teeth and gums through scaling, polishing, and flossing. It also includes measuring and evaluating for gum disease, taking and reviewing dental X-rays for diagnostic purposes, screening the mouth for oral disease or lesions, and educating patients on their oral health.
What tools are used in a dental cleaning?
The tools used in a dental cleaning include ultrasonic scalers, hand instruments, polishing handpieces, prophy paste, floss, suction, and disposable products.
Does a preventative dental cleaning hurt?
A preventative dental cleaning usually does not hurt. You may feel some mild sensitivity or pressure. However, if you have an unhealthy mouth with inflamed gums, your gums may be tender. Patients with tooth sensitivity may also notice sensitivity from the vibrations and water. If you require a deeper cleaning, there may be some discomfort, but we usually have an anesthetic and other options to help keep you comfortable.
How long do most dental cleanings take?
Most dental cleanings take approximately 1 hour. This can depend on the patient's needs during the appointment, including how healthy their gums are, how much buildup is on the teeth, and whether they need an extensive exam or any imaging done.
When is a deep cleaning necessary?
A deep cleaning by a dental hygienist may be necessary if you have bacteria and plaque stuck underneath the gums. When this happens, it can continue to cause different types of gum disease, such as gingivitis and periodontitis. It can also lead to damage beneath the gumline. It is very important that the hygienist removes all of that buildup, and that usually requires a deeper cleaning beyond a standard preventative cleaning.
What should you do after a dental cleaning?
In most cases, you do not need to do anything special after a dental cleaning. If you receive a fluoride treatment, you may be given instructions about what foods you can or cannot eat and how long to wait before eating. If you receive laser therapy, there may be guidelines, such as no flossing or avoiding foods that can get stuck in your teeth.
If you develop sensitivity or pain during the cleaning, we may recommend taking a pain reliever if needed, but that is usually not necessary.
How can I schedule an appointment with Gearin Aesthetic and General Dentistry?
You can schedule a hygiene appointment by calling the office and letting them know you would like to book your cleaning. For recurring patients who come in regularly every 3 to 6 months, it is often best to make that appointment while you are still in the office. If you wait and try to schedule later, appointments may be booked for months.
If you’re ready to schedule an exam or would like to learn more about our services, we’d love to hear from you. Call us at (702) 710-8847 or email [email protected]. We look forward to caring for your smile.