Caring for Your Teeth and Gums
Regular dental cleanings and checkups are crucial for maintaining not just the health of your teeth, but also your gums and the overall condition of your mouth. These visits do more than just clean your teeth—they help remove plaque, tartar, and harmful bacteria that can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and persistent bad breath. Dental hygienists can reach areas that are often missed during your daily brushing and flossing routine, ensuring a deeper clean.
Beyond cleaning, these visits allow your hygienist and dentist to monitor your oral health, catching potential issues early. Identifying problems like cavities or gum disease before they worsen can save you from pain and costly treatments down the road.
- Plaque removal: Getting rid of plaque, which is a sticky bacterial film that can erode tooth enamel.
- Tartar removal: Eliminating hardened plaque (tartar) that could lead to gum disease if not addressed.
- Stain removal: Helping to remove surface stains caused by coffee, tea, and other foods, naturally brightening your smile.
- Health monitoring: Checking for signs of receding gums, chipped teeth, or other oral health concerns that may need attention.
A few benefits of regular teeth cleanings include:
Routine cleanings can even keep your teeth looking naturally whiter and brighter, without the need for additional whitening treatments.
What Happens During a Teeth Cleaning?
Gum Health
Your gums play a vital role in supporting your teeth and shaping your smile, yet they’re often overlooked. During a cleaning, we take a detailed look at your entire mouth—your teeth, gums, tongue, and everything in between. We pay special attention to your gum line, checking for signs of inflammation or early gum disease. While we’ll assess your flossing habits, don’t worry—we’ll keep it friendly and focus on helping you keep your gums in top shape.
Plaque & Tartar Removal
Plaque is a soft, sticky film that naturally builds up on your teeth. Without regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings, it can harden into tartar, which is more stubborn and usually darker in colour. Tartar tends to hide in hard-to-reach spots like the gumline. Your hygienist will use specialized tools to carefully remove both plaque and tartar, giving your teeth a deep clean. Once the debris is cleared, we finish off with a polishing to remove surface stains, leaving your teeth smooth and gleaming.
Dentist Exam
After your cleaning, the dentist steps in to perform a thorough exam. Reviewing your chart and any x-rays, the dentist will focus on any problem areas or patterns, like signs of tooth decay or gum disease. If needed, further treatments may be recommended, or they may provide tips to help slow down or reverse any oral health issues. This is also your chance to ask any questions about discomfort, sensitivity, or pain you’ve experienced. Regular cleanings not only keep your smile bright but also help prevent more serious dental problems, saving you both pain and expense in the long run.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Winner Of The Three Best Rated Award
Dr. Bukhari is the winner of the 3 Best Dentists in Norfolk.
Frequently Asked Questions
We typically recommend having your teeth cleaned and checked every six months. However, if you have specific needs, your dentist may suggest more frequent visits. In some cases, we can space out appointments if necessary due to insurance or cost considerations.
Don’t wait! If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort, give us a call right away. Cleanings are great for preventing issues, but you don’t need to wait until your next one to address a problem. Even if it seems minor, it’s better to catch it early.
Absolutely. Regular checkups are essential for your entire mouth, not just your teeth. If you have dentures, we’ll check their fit and condition, while also examining your gums, tongue, and bone health to ensure everything is in good shape.
A typical dental cleaning lasts about 30 minutes to an hour, and it’s done in a comfortable, reclining chair. The time can vary based on your individual oral health needs.
Yes! Choose a tartar-control toothpaste with fluoride. While brushing is important, flossing is the only way to remove plaque between your teeth and prevent tartar buildup in hard-to-reach areas. Also, using an antiseptic mouthwash daily can help kill bacteria that cause plaque.
If you’ve had a regular cleaning, you can eat right after—just avoid acidic or abrasive foods and drinks. However, if you received a fluoride treatment, it’s best to wait at least 30 minutes before eating.
Definitely! Brushing and flossing regularly after your cleaning will help maintain the benefits of your dentist’s work and keep your teeth and gums healthy.
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